This hand-colored engraving is matted with marbled Venetian paper and displayed in a delicate gilded frame. The subject is a graceful design for a canopy bed in the Louis XVI style. Prints of this kind were traditionally circulated among elite patrons who were interested in following the latest fashions of the day. This delightful illustration is evocative of the spirit of romance, elegance, and femininity in 18th century France.

The process of printing from a metal plate is time consuming and requires considerable skill. After the image is completely dry, an artist can carefully apply color. Historically, engravings such as this one were hand-painted with watercolor.

Dimensions: 15 x 19 "framed.