After Louis-Marie Lanté, Portrait of Lady of the Ursins Family, France, 1900, Engraving

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Hand-Colored Portrait of a Lady of the Ursins Family, France, ca. 1900 (after 1827) Hand-colored engraving depicting a noblewoman of … Read more Hand-Colored Portrait of a Lady of the Ursins Family, France, ca. 1900 (after 1827) Hand-colored engraving depicting a noblewoman of the Ursins family, shown in the year 1420 during the reign of King Charles VI of France. This print originates from the series Galerie Française de Femmes Célèbres, first published in Paris in 1827 with plates by Louis-Marie Lanté (artist) and Georges Jacques Gatine (engraver), and republished around 1900 for collectors of French historical costume and portraiture. The sitter is dressed in a sumptuous gown combining rich fabrics and elaborate accessories. Her long crimson skirt flows elegantly with a trailing hem, while the bodice and sleeves are adorned with gold-embroidered black brocade trimmed in white fur. The costume reflects the opulence of the French nobility in the early 15th century, a period marked by the complexities of the Hundred Years’ War. Around her neck she wears a necklace of golden beads, a symbol of wealth and status. Most striking is her elaborate headdress: a tall, butterfly-shaped hennin decorated with intricate colored patterns, jewels, and embroidery, an iconic feature of aristocratic fashion under Charles VI. The Ursins (Orsini) family were of Italian origin but became prominent in France, producing influential nobles and clerics who often occupied high positions in both Church and Court. Their inclusion in this celebrated portrait series highlights their prominence among France’s noble families of the period. This engraving is from the ca. 1900 reissue, noted for its vibrant hand-coloring and careful reproduction of Lanté’s original designs. Collectors value these works not only for their decorative quality but also for the meticulous reconstruction of medieval court dress, which makes them an important reference for costume history. Condition report: Very good condition with strong impression and rich coloring. Minimal age-related toning in the margins, blank verso. Framing tips: A gilt frame with red or burgundy matting will harmonize with the gown’s rich color, while a cream or ivory mount will highlight the elaborate headpiece. Double matting with a fine gold inner line adds a regal effect. Technique: Hand-colored engraving (later impression, ca. 1900) Maker: After Louis-Marie Lanté (artist) and Georges Jacques Gatine (engraver), Paris, 1827 See less