Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, Ad. Wahlen-Fierlants, Brussels 1862
A richly illustrated mid 19th century edition of Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, published in Brussels in 1862 by Ad. Wahlen-Fierlants, Bookseller to the Court.
This work belongs to one of the most popular and visually compelling publishing genres of the 19th century: the illustrated costume book. Produced at a time of expanding global curiosity and European imperial reach, these volumes were designed to document and display the dress, customs, and identities of cultures across both history and geography.
The book presents a wide-ranging survey that includes European historical costume from the medieval and Renaissance periods alongside ethnographic representations from regions such as Persia, Japan, Tahiti, and beyond. Civil, military, and religious dress are all included, offering a layered view of how clothing functioned as both identity and status.
Its greatest strength lies in its hand colored lithographic plates, which bring each figure to life with remarkable vibrancy. These images were not purely documentary, but part of a broader 19th century visual language that blended scholarship, curiosity, and interpretation. Today, they are highly sought after for their decorative impact as well as their historical significance.
Works like this were created for educated European audiences who were building libraries that reflected both intellectual interest and worldly awareness. It is exactly the kind of book that would have sat on a table or in a study, meant to be opened, explored, and shown.
Belgium, 1862.
Condition
Expected wear consistent with age. Plates remain vibrant. Structurally sound and complete.
Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, Ad. Wahlen-Fierlants, Brussels 1862
A richly illustrated mid 19th century edition of Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, published in Brussels in 1862 by Ad. Wahlen-Fierlants, Bookseller to the Court.
This work belongs to one of the most popular and visually compelling publishing genres of the 19th century: the illustrated costume book. Produced at a time of expanding global curiosity and European imperial reach, these volumes were designed to document and display the dress, customs, and identities of cultures across both history and geography.
The book presents a wide-ranging survey that includes European historical costume from the medieval and Renaissance periods alongside ethnographic representations from regions such as Persia, Japan, Tahiti, and beyond. Civil, military, and religious dress are all included, offering a layered view of how clothing functioned as both identity and status.
Its greatest strength lies in its hand colored lithographic plates, which bring each figure to life with remarkable vibrancy. These images were not purely documentary, but part of a broader 19th century visual language that blended scholarship, curiosity, and interpretation. Today, they are highly sought after for their decorative impact as well as their historical significance.
Works like this were created for educated European audiences who were building libraries that reflected both intellectual interest and worldly awareness. It is exactly the kind of book that would have sat on a table or in a study, meant to be opened, explored, and shown.
Belgium, 1862.
Condition
Expected wear consistent with age. Plates remain vibrant. Structurally sound and complete.