Antique Fashion Print, Lady in Oriental Costume by G. Donjean, c.1870

Antique Fashion Print, Lady in Oriental Costume by G. Donjean, c.1870

Description:

This striking antique fashion design print by G. Donjean (1848–1893) depicts a lady in an “Oriental” costume, rendered with vivid color and fine detailing. The composition shows the figure frontally, holding a feathered fan, with a secondary outline sketch of the costume from the back. The ensemble features richly ornamented garments in shades of blue and gold, adorned with stylized motifs and jewels, topped with an elaborate turban headdress crowned with a plume.

The work exemplifies the fascination with Orientalism in 19th-century European fashion and stage costume, where designers drew inspiration from the East to create exotic, theatrical garments. Donjean, active as a fashion illustrator and costume designer, was known for his refined lithographic plates that combined elegance with a precise sense of line and decoration.

Published by Koffmann & Ohnstein in Leipzig and Paris, this plate belongs to a series of fashion and costume illustrations that provided inspiration for both dressmakers and stage designers. The blend of careful draftsmanship, hand-finished coloring, and imaginative subject matter makes this an appealing example of late 19th-century fashion art.

Condition report: Very good condition with fresh coloring. Minor toning and light handling traces in margins, not affecting the design. Plate mark visible.

Framing tips: Best presented in a cream or ivory mat with a gilt or dark wood frame to highlight the richness of the costume design. A series of similar plates framed together creates a striking decorative display.

Technique: Hand-colored lithograph

Maker: G. Donjean (1848–1893), published by Koffmann & Ohnstein, Leipzig & Paris, c.1870