European School, Bologna Renaissance Costume Fashion Pair, 1749, Paper Engraving

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Bologna Renaissance Costume Engravings, Hand-Colored Italian Fashion Pair An elegant and visually compelling pair of antique hand-colored costume engravings depicting … Read more Bologna Renaissance Costume Engravings, Hand-Colored Italian Fashion Pair An elegant and visually compelling pair of antique hand-colored costume engravings depicting noblewomen from Bologna during the Italian Renaissance. Published in the mid-18th century as part of a celebrated European costume series, these finely engraved plates document historical Italian dress with remarkable sophistication, theatricality, and decorative appeal. The first engraving, “Habit of a Lady of Bologna,” presents an aristocratic Bolognese woman richly dressed in dark green and gold garments accented with delicate pink trim and elaborate jewelry. A flowing translucent veil cascades dramatically around the figure, while a feather fan enhances the courtly elegance of the composition. The restrained background and refined posture draw full attention to the intricate costume and graceful silhouette. The companion engraving, “Habit of a Noble Virgin of Bologna, in 1581,” provides a striking contrast through its rear-facing composition. The noblewoman is shown from behind, emphasizing the luxurious drapery, layered fabrics, and long flowing train characteristic of late Renaissance fashion. This unusual viewpoint makes the engraving especially decorative and highly desirable when paired with the frontal portrait, together offering both front and rear views of aristocratic Bolognese attire. These engravings reflect the 18th-century fascination with regional European dress and historical customs, themes that were widely collected by Grand Tour travelers, scholars, and aristocratic audiences. Bologna itself was among the most important cultural and intellectual centers of Renaissance Italy, and these costume studies provide valuable insight into the ceremonial elegance and refined aesthetics associated with the city. Together, the pair forms an exceptionally harmonious decorative set. The contrast between the richly detailed frontal portrait and the graceful rear-view composition creates visual balance and sophistication, making them particularly suitable for symmetrical display in classic or contemporary interiors. Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing, and minor marginal wear. Original hand-coloring with visible platemarks. Minor imperfections consistent with age and former binding. Framing tips: These engravings display beautifully framed together in matching dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames with wide ivory mats. Their elegant vertical format makes them especially effective displayed side-by-side in a refined museum-style arrangement. 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. Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving Maker: European School, published in 1749 See less