Antiquarian La Mode Illustrée French Fashion Plate (1862)

This is a mid-19th-century hand-colored lithograph from the esteemed French periodical 'La Mode Illustrée.' The piece depicts two Victorian-era debutantes in an outdoor garden setting, showcasing intricate high-fashion garments from approximately 1862. The woman on the left is seated on a red sofa, wearing an olive-green gown with pagoda sleeves and dark striped trim. The woman on the right stands holding a book, donned in a white dressing gown or morning ensemble accented with horizontal band detailing and delicate lace. The print features the text 'LA MODE ILLUSTRÉE' and 'Bureaux du Journal 56, Rue Jacob Paris' at the bottom, along with 'Leroy Imp Paris' and a production date of 1862. It is housed in an oval wooden or composition frame with a gilded bronze-gold finish that shows significant verdigris-style green oxidation or patina, particularly along the inner rim. The paper exhibits signs of age, including mild foxing (small brown spots), overall yellowing/toning, and one notable tear or loose paper fragment visible at the bottom right. This print represents the golden age of French fashion publishing and illustrates the meticulous line-work and color-tinting techniques of the Second Empire period.

I have reviewed the hand-colored lithograph from La Mode Illustrée, dated 1862. This piece is a quintessential example of Second Empire fashion reporting. The print exhibits authentic characteristics of the period, including the distinct plate mark, the specific typography of the Bureau du Journal on Rue Jacob, and the characteristic transition of Victorian silhouettes into the mid-1860s. The hand-coloring appears consistent with mineral-based pigments of the era. However, condition issues significantly impact the valuation. I observed visible foxing, significant acidic toning (yellowing) from the original wood pulp backing, and a notable tear in the lower right quadrant. The frame, while appropriate in style, shows heavy verdigris oxidation which adds character but may indicate storage in a humid environment, potentially threatening the paper’s integrity. Market demand for 19th-century fashion plates remains steady among interior designers and costume historians, but values have softened since the peak of the 1990s. Comparable sales for framed plates in fair-to-good condition typically range from $75 to $250. This specific piece sits in the middle of that range due only to the desirable 1862 date and the ornate oval framing. Limitations: This appraisal is based on digital images alone and cannot confirm the presence of mold, the extent of paper brittleness, or if the print has been trimmed behind the matting. A physical inspection is required to determine if the paper is original rag or a later reproduction on acidic stock. Scientific testing of the ink and light-fastness of the watercolors would be necessary for absolute authentication of the 1862 production date.