Antiquarian Hand-Colored Wood-Engraving - Paris Fashions for November

This item is an original mid-19th-century antiquarian print, specifically a hand-colored wood engraving. The engraving depicts a Victorian gentleman and is titled at the bottom 'PARIS FASHIONS FOR NOVEMBER. - FRONTSIDE.' The central figure is dressed in formal attire characteristic of the 1850s-1860s, featuring a dark frock coat, a mustard-yellow waistcoat and trousers, a high neck-tie with a bow, and holding a silk top hat and a walking cane. The figure leans against a stone pedestal or mantel. The coloring appears to be manual watercolors applied over the black-ink engraved base. The paper shows age-appropriate light toning and minor foxing. The print is housed in a modern grey mat and is covered in a protective plastic sleeve, which shows some crinkling on the surface. Notable features include the intricate line work of the engraving, particularly in the shadow and texture of the velvet coat. The condition is generally good for its age, though some slight fading in the pigments may be present. The lettering at the base is clean and legible, indicating it was likely a plate from a fashion periodical or newspaper such as 'The Illustrated London News' or a similar contemporary journal. There are no visible maker's marks or artist signatures within the plate itself, but the craftsmanship of the engraving demonstrates the high level of technical skill characteristic of commercial illustration during the Victorian era.