Modista – Marchande des Modes Antique Costume Engraving

Handcolored antique engraving of a fashion accessories sales girl from a bygone era.  Texts read: Modista / Marchande des Modes – No. 44 – Devere Sculp. (Engraved by Devere).  She carries baskets of lace and fabrics, ribbons, flowers and trim.  There may also be some perfume bottles in her box of temptations.

The profession of the Marchande des Modes – also called a Modiste – became popular in the mid 18th century when women sold ornaments, trim feathers, flowers and ribbons to add detail to dresses and hats. These female entrepreneurs were inspired by the success of Rose Bertin, the most famous marchande de modes who supplied Marie Antoinette.  This elegant saleswoman in this rare period engraving is clearly modelling some of her own wares.

On old hand laid paper, some spotting as shown.
Dimensions of full sheet: 23.5 x 36.5