Antique English Hand-Coloured Engraved Royal Costume Plates

These are antique English hand-coloured engravings documenting two distinct periods of English royal court dress, each reconstructed from named primary sources cited in scholarly labels adhering to the verso of each frame. The technique is engraving with hand-applied watercolour — the grey tonal shadow work in the skirts and cloaks reads as intaglio printing, with colour finished by hand over the top. Neither is a chromolithograph or mechanical reproduction. Both are housed in matching ebonized frames with gilt bead inner edges and yellow watered silk mats. Each piece was previously in the stock of Harriet Wynter, Interior Decorations and Antiques, Brighton, whose label survives on the verso of both frames.

The Blue Gown documents court dress of approximately 1483, the reign of Edward V and Richard III. The figure wears a wide blue overgown, heavily embroidered white forepart, elaborate jeweled headdress, and pearl chain necklace, and holds a pomander on a pin. The verso label cites four primary sources: portraits of Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of Edward IV; a description of the dress of Anne, Queen of Richard III, on the day before her coronation; Illuminated Royal Manuscript 16 F. 2; and the effigy of Lady Peyton in Isleham Church, Cambridgeshire.

The Gold Gown documents Jacobean court dress of approximately 1610 to 1630, the reign of James I and the opening years of Charles I. The figure wears a large cartwheel ruff, heavily patterned lozenge-work brocade gown, long rope of pearls, and carries a peacock feather fan, a documented luxury accessory at the Jacobean court. The verso label cites three primary sources: portraits of Elizabeth Stuart, Queen of Bohemia and daughter of James I; Speed's Map of England; and the court portraits of Paul van Somer, the Flemish painter who served at the English court of James I.