Victorian Day Elegance: Fashionable Gowns in Lithograph Published in 1889

This lithograph showcases a fashionable woman from 1889, dressed in a stylish and elegant day gown, typical of the late Victorian era. The dress is made of a light teal fabric with a small, evenly spaced polka dot pattern in contrasting red. The bodice is fitted and features a wide, square neckline, framed by a large, intricate lace collar that drapes over the shoulders. The puffed sleeves are full and gathered at the elbow, tapering into a more fitted shape at the forearm. The waist is cinched with a dark belt, creating a flattering silhouette that leads into a full, A-line skirt decorated with horizontal stripes that match the belt and neckline trim.

The woman is depicted in a graceful pose, standing beside an ornate console table and holding a vase of flowers. Her hair is styled in a sophisticated updo, adorned with a small hat featuring a feather, which complements the elegance of her attire. Above her, a small sketch provides a back view of the dress, offering additional detail on the design.

This lithograph was produced by L. Michau, a prominent publisher of fashion illustrations during the 19th century.

This illustration is part of a series likely created for the Exposition Universelle of 1889, held in Paris. The fashion plates from this collection were intended to showcase the latest trends in women's fashion, highlighting the elegance and sophistication that were celebrated at this grand international exhibition.

The piece is a lithograph, a popular printmaking technique in the 19th century that allowed for the production of detailed and high-quality images. Lithography involves drawing on a flat surface with a greasy substance, which is then treated to allow ink to adhere only to the drawn areas. This method was particularly favored for fashion plates due to its ability to capture intricate details and subtle color variations, making it ideal for depicting elaborate clothing designs.