European School, Italian Noble Lady Costume Print, Vicenza Fashion, 1749, Paper

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Italian Noble Lady Costume Print, Vicenza Fashion, 1749 A graceful and finely hand-colored antique costume engraving depicting a noblewoman from … Read more Italian Noble Lady Costume Print, Vicenza Fashion, 1749 A graceful and finely hand-colored antique costume engraving depicting a noblewoman from Vicenza, Italy, titled “Habit of a Noble Lady of Vicentio, in 1581.” This elegant print forms part of a celebrated mid-18th century costume series published around 1749, documenting the historical fashions and regional dress traditions of Europe. The composition portrays an aristocratic lady dressed in sumptuous layered robes, delicately holding an ornamental fan, embodying the refinement and ceremonial elegance associated with late Renaissance Italian society. The figure is rendered with remarkable delicacy, featuring soft original hand coloring in pale turquoise, lavender, silver-grey, and muted crimson tones. The luxurious drapery, jeweled headdress, lace collar, and flowing veil evoke the sophisticated courtly culture of northern Italy during the late 16th century. Costume engravings such as this were highly prized among Grand Tour travelers and collectors fascinated by European history, aristocratic customs, and the evolution of fashion. Vicenza, located in the Veneto region near Venice, was renowned during the Renaissance for its wealthy merchant class and artistic sophistication, closely associated with the architectural legacy of Andrea Palladio. Prints documenting the dress of noblewomen from the region provided contemporary audiences with both ethnographic curiosity and decorative elegance. The large uncluttered margins surrounding the figure create an especially refined presentation that enhances the print’s decorative impact. This engraving displays beautifully in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames paired with wide ivory or cream mats. Its subtle palette and elegant vertical composition make it particularly suitable for Italian interiors, neoclassical settings, fashion collections, dressing rooms, or refined gallery walls. This is an original antique document, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Attractive original hand coloring and a strong clear impression. Please study the image carefully. Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving Maker: European School, probably French or English, circa 1749 See less