An elegant mid-Victorian hand-colored steel engraving from the celebrated French fashion periodical "Les Modes Parisiennes." The illustration features two women in a domestic interior setting, showcasing the "elliptical" silhouette characteristic of the mid-1860s. One figure is depicted in a deep forest green silk gown adjusting a birdcage, while the second stands in a black walking dress near an ornate gold mirror.

The plate is a collaboration of leading Parisian artisans of the Second Empire, with the illustration executed by the renowned fashion artist Adèle-Anaïs Toudouze. The text at the base credits various high-end suppliers, including Mme. Genton for the toilettes and Mesdames Alexandrine, Llobons, et Cie for the millinery.

Artist: Adèle-Anaïs Toudouze (signed in plate, lower right)
Publisher: Bureaux du Journal, 20 rue Bergère, Paris
Circa: 1866
Medium: Steel engraving with original hand-coloring and gum arabic accents
Series Number: 1242 (as indicated in the lower right)

This engraving has been attached at the corners to an 11" x 14" acid-free mat using acid-free, residue-free tape. It also has an 11" x 14" acid free backer board and is ready for framing.

The engraving is on a medium-weight cream paper. The sheet shows light toning and minor foxing, particularly in the upper margins. There is a small tear on the righthand side that has been repaired using conservation materials. The tear is barely visible at the righthand side of the mat. There is also a visible diagonal trim to the upper-right corner and slight edge wear, but the central image and hand-applied colors remain sharp and well-saturated.