Venetian Morning Dress Costume Print, Lady of Venice Fashion, 1749

Venetian Morning Dress Costume Print, Lady of Venice Fashion, 1749

A refined and delicately hand-colored antique costume engraving depicting a Venetian lady in informal morning dress, titled “Morning Habit of a Lady of Venice, in 1750.” Although the plate references contemporary Venetian fashion of the mid-18th century, this engraving belongs to the celebrated 1749 costume-print tradition documenting European regional attire and elegant social customs. The figure is shown standing gracefully in a flowing yellow gown trimmed with dark decorative ornament, accented with blue sleeves and lace details, capturing the understated refinement associated with Venetian domestic fashion.

Venice occupied a unique place in the European imagination during the 18th century. The city’s celebrated elegance, theatrical culture, masked festivities, and cosmopolitan society attracted artists, collectors, and Grand Tour travelers from across Europe. Costume engravings such as this were highly prized as visual records of regional identity and aristocratic appearance. Unlike more formal court costume representations, this composition offers an intimate glimpse into fashionable daily life, making it especially charming and decorative.

The engraving is finely executed with elegant line work and attractive period hand coloring. Its restrained palette of cream, muted blue, and black gives the composition a sophisticated decorative quality that works exceptionally well in both classic and contemporary interiors. The large blank margins surrounding the figure create a balanced and highly collectible presentation typical of fine 18th-century costume books.

This print displays beautifully framed in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames with a wide ivory mat. Its graceful proportions and refined color palette make it especially suitable for Venetian, Italian, neoclassical, or fashion-themed interiors.

This is an original antique document, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Condition: Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing, and light wear to the sheet edges. Strong impression with attractive original hand coloring. Please study the image carefully.

Technique: Hand-colored copper engraving

Maker: European School, probably French or English, circa 1749