Monograph Bookwerks

Original Costume Drawing [after Louis Marie-Lanté], Circa 1850: Odette de Champdivers

An exquisite original ink, graphite and gouache/watercolor drawing of a French historical costume worn by a noble Frenchwoman during the 14th-15th centuries, after or copying a drawing by the French fashion illustrator Louis Marie-Lanté. Marie-Lanté drew elegant and refined depictions of historical costumes, in particular famous women of France known for their talents or beauty. This drawing depicts Odette de Champdivers, the chief mistress of Charles VI of France (Charles the Mad). Because she physically resembled the Queen, she was called la petite reine ("the little queen") by contemporaries. With a short description in French in cursive script along the bottom. The writing along the bottom translates to "Lady in Waiting to Isabelle (Isabeau) of Bavaria." She was selected by Isabeau to become the mistress of the mentally ill King.

Copying the masters was a common practice in the 1800s as a way to learn or practice drawing and hone one’s craft. These stunning drawings are rendered in fine detail and skilled craftsmanship, often matching or coming very close to the originals. The Royal Academy of Arts in London has an online archive of Marie-Lanté images (etchings) where you can compare these drawings to those originated by Marie-Lanté. Artist unknown.

The drawing is affixed to toned and brittle vintage paper, which could be trimmed or hidden by a mat when framing. Must be shipped flat, and a $12 additional shipping fee will be added at checkout. Item #2158.

Condition: Drawing: Very Good, toning to cardstock-like paper; toning, some soft creasing and a paper clip indentation to backing paper.

Original Drawing
Artist Unknown
10 1/8" x 14"
Ink, graphic and watercolor/gouache on paper
N.P. [England/France]: Circa 1850

Price: $300.00