1888 Chromolithograph 17th Century France Furniture Interior Costume LCH4

This is a rare original 1888 color chromolithograph which depicts several interior scenes and furnishings familiar to the French aristocracy of the 17th century. A gentleman respectfully covers his face in the upper panel, having just walked in on an elegant mademoiselle washing her feet in the bathing cabinet (similar, in nature, to the water closets of the 18th century). Below, peeping tom is shocked to see a lady in her dressing robe beckoning to her young, dark-skinned servant boy, who simply came to deliver her messages. The lad, hastily retreating, happened to be the brother of another youth in the service of the Duchess of Mazarin.

Of the two chairs shown here, the upper one is made of gilded wood, and would not have been out of place in such elegant surroundings. The lower one, however, retained its natural wood finish and is of a slightly different style, perhaps dating back to the reign of Louis XIII, making it better suited for inconsequential rooms not seen by guests, such as personal bedrooms.

CONDITION

This 123+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Chromolithograph; Color
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 x 13.5 inches; 25 x 34 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper has obtained an extraordinary, ultra-rare collection of original color and chromolithographs, which capture a myriad of ancient cultures and costumes from around the world. Virtually unseen individually, and from perhaps the most coveted portfolio of costumes from the 19th century, these historically important elephant folio-sized chromolithographs depict scenes and images venturing from ancient Egypt to classical Rome and Greece. Each illustration was adapted from actual artifacts and archaeological sites to define accurate representations of life during each time period; from the dainty Orient to the tribes of Oceania, there are beautiful illustrations for all, each more unique than the next.

Please note that the full original supporting documents for this original piece, shown in the additional pictures attached to the listing, are included and will be shipped with this original.

The originals offered are from the first edition of RacinetÕs masterwork on costumes of the world. Many have been heightened in gold and silver. The full color chromolithographs are some of the most spectacular we have procured. The duotone chromolithographs are stunning and impeccably preserved. Each piece from the collection is in museum-quality condition.

Keywords specific to this image: woodwork, fireplace, basin, foot, paneling, fashion, black history, screen, historical

LCH4C88