After Louis-Marie Lanté, Illustration of Sophie Arnould in Pyrame Et Thisbé, Paris, 1900, Engraving

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Hand-Colored Engraving of Sophie Arnould in Pyrame et Thisbé, Paris, ca. 1900 edition This finely hand-colored engraving depicts Sophie Arnould … Read more Hand-Colored Engraving of Sophie Arnould in Pyrame et Thisbé, Paris, ca. 1900 edition This finely hand-colored engraving depicts Sophie Arnould (1740–1802), the celebrated French soprano, shown in her role in the opera Pyrame et Thisbé around 1760. Arnould was one of the leading figures of the Paris Opera in the mid-18th century, admired not only for her voice and dramatic talent but also for her wit, beauty, and influence in Parisian society. She created several memorable roles in works by composers such as Gluck and Rameau, and her performances were often associated with a highly theatrical stage presence. In this engraving, Arnould is shown in a lavish costume, her gown decorated with garlands of pink ribbon and jeweled ornamentation, paired with voluminous sleeves and a trailing skirt. She is captured in a moment of poised elegance, embodying both the grandeur of 18th-century opera costumes and the actress’s own commanding stage persona. This plate is part of the Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres, designed by Louis-Marie Lanté and engraved by Georges Jacques Gatine, first published in Paris in 1827. The present example is from the later ca. 1900 hand-colored issue, created when there was renewed interest in historical costume and prominent figures of French cultural life. The portrait offers valuable insight into the intersection of performance, costume, and celebrity in the Ancien Régime, making it an attractive piece for collectors of operatic history, French portraiture, and decorative art. Condition report: Very good condition with fine hand-coloring. Minor toning consistent with age, blank verso, and visible platemark. Framing tips: A gold frame with rococo flourishes would enhance the theatrical and ornamental character of the print, while a cream or pale pink mat would highlight the delicate costume details. For a more restrained presentation, a dark wooden frame with ivory matting would underscore the engraving’s elegance. Technique: Hand-colored engraving (later edition, ca. 1900) Maker: After Louis-Marie Lanté (artist) and Georges Jacques Gatine (engraver), Paris, 1827 See less