18th c. Historical Fashion Engraving of London Dress – Lady Mayoress and Merchant's Wife

A finely detailed 18th-century hand-colored engraving depicting two figures in period London dress, titled Habit of the Lady Mayoress of London and Habit of a Merchant’s Wife of London. 

Engraved for Chamberlain’s History of London and hand-colored, these costume plates depict the dress of London in 1640 (as titled within the engraving), offering a window into 17th-century civic and merchant fashion through an 18th-century publication.

Costume engravings from Chamberlain’s History of London are increasingly sought after for their documentary value and refined hand-coloring, offering a rare visual record of civic hierarchy, trade, and dress in early modern London. Surviving examples are often found with later framing, and those retaining strong line work, balanced color, and clear titles are especially desirable to collectors of British social history, costume, and early urban life.

Origin: England, c. 1785.
Provenance: Foye Gallery in Luton, UK.
Medium: Hand-colored copperplate engraving on laid paper; vintage frame.
Source: Engraved for Chamberlain’s History of London.
Dimensions: 18" x 14.5".
Condition: Age-appropriate toning and light surface wear; visible central binding line from original publication; overall very good antique condition.