Heraldic Costumes, 1845, Paper, Set of 2

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Chivalry in Devotion Knight and Lady Heraldic Prayer Plates c 1400 These two exquisitely hand-coloured costume plates come from the … Read more Chivalry in Devotion Knight and Lady Heraldic Prayer Plates c 1400 These two exquisitely hand-coloured costume plates come from the landmark 1845 edition of Costumes Historiques des XIIIe, XIVe et XVe Siècles, a work celebrated for translating medieval sculpture and manuscript illuminations into elegant, collectible engravings. Plate 80 shows a kneeling knight in full armour, his visor raised in an attitude of humble prayer. Chain mail peeks beneath polished plate, and over his shoulders hangs a striped surcoat emblazoned with a bold orange lion rampant. The lion, long a symbol of martial courage, instantly announces his lineage and rank. Even while on bended knee the figure radiates physical strength; the engraver has carefully modelled the steel greaves, articulated elbow cops, and the slight tilt of the helm that directs the viewer’s eye heavenward. Facing him is Plate 81, a noble lady captured in the same devotional pose. Her mantle of snow-white ermine spills across the floor and is studded with crimson stars and lilies that echo the floral badges of late medieval Italy. The warm brown velvet of her fitted sleeves offsets the cool blue of her trained skirt, while a delicate reticulated cap frames her plaited hair. Together the pair form a perfectly balanced diptych: the knight’s vertical stripes answer the lady’s diagonal ermine tails; his lion motif converses with her cluster of stars. Collectors of heraldic art, medieval studies scholars, and interior designers seeking a refined historic accent will find in this set a compelling dialogue between faith, pageantry, and personal identity. The plates also illustrate evolving armour technology and court fashion at the cusp of the fifteenth century, making them valuable visual references for costume historians, re-enactors, and theatrical designers alike. Their clear lines, harmonious colour palette, and ample surrounding paper invite creative framing solutions that will allow them to shine in a study, library, or modern living space. Condition Both impressions retain crisp plate lines and superbly fresh hand colour. Paper is strong and evenly toned with only the lightest scattered specks in the wide outer margins. No tears, repairs, or creases; image areas are clean and bright. Framing tips Mount the two plates in a single horizontal frame with an off-white archival mat that mirrors the natural paper tone, leaving at least five centimetres between the openings to preserve their individual presence while emphasising their dialogue. A slender gilt or bronzed moulding will pick up the golden tones of the lady’s headdress and the knight’s lion, while a charcoal or gun-metal frame can create a striking contemporary contrast that echoes the armour. For a more formal presentation, use separate matching frames and hang them side by side at eye level; ensure both mounts align precisely so the praying figures appear to face the same invisible altar, reinforcing the narrative unity of the pair. See less