Illustrated board, 19th century bourgeoisie, scenes of life, ink drawing

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

Old illustrated plate depicting several scenes of bourgeois life from the 19th century. This document shows a series of black ink sketches or caricatures on a white background, made in a graphic style typical of the Belle Époque. The drawings feature elegantly dressed characters—men in top hats, women in sophisticated dresses—as well as various moments of urban and social life.

The visible side presents ten distinct vignettes. We can observe scenes of gentlemen in discussion, a young woman with a voluminous hairstyle, a couple admiring a painting in a museum, a lively street scene, as well as an illustration of old cars amidst a crowd. The sharp and expressive line style highlights the attitudes and expressions of the protagonists, emphasizing the clothing codes and social postures of the era.

Some drawings show handwritten inscriptions, such as "FRANCE" on a woman's dress, or the name "A. Gassill" visible at the bottom right, likely the artist's signature. The support is thick, smooth-surfaced paper, with no visible texture or coloring other than the black of the ink. No frame or publisher's mark appears on the visible side.

The document is photographed resting on wooden steps, in the setting of an old building with large arched windows, which enhances its historical character and authenticity. No major defects, missing parts, or folds are visible on the presented side; the paper appears flat and well-preserved, with clean edges and a tidy surface.

The graphic style, the choice of costumes, and the atmosphere of the scenes clearly evoke the late 19th or early 20th century, a period marked by dynamic city life and the rise of the bourgeoisie. This type of plate could have been used as an illustration for satirical press, illustrated magazines, or period albums.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. The plate has a clean and well-preserved general appearance on the visible side. No snags, folds, or tears are observable on the displayed surface.

Did you know? Belle Époque illustrated plates were frequently produced for satirical newspapers or illustrated magazines. They bear witness to daily life and customs of their time and are often signed by artists specializing in social or political caricature.

AFW Reassurance

Careful packaging and fast shipping ensured by a professional seller specializing in antique and illustrated items.

Keywords: antique drawing, 19th century illustration, Belle Époque caricature, ink plate, bourgeois life scene, vintage graphic art, period engraving, satirical drawing, retro sketch, old illustration, antique drawing, illustrated plate France