drecoll - Suite de 6 dessins et gouaches mode 1900 - 1900s

Exceptional set of 6 original Haute Couture projects, entirely handmade (gouache highlights, watercolor and ink wash) on thick antique cream cardboard. These unique documents originate from a Parisian studio's creation fund from the Belle Époque (circa 1900-1905). From the same lineage and sharing the same physical characteristics (cardboard type, format, patina) as the boards officially stamped by the Maison Ch. Drecoll in this collection, these works form a studio research series of great historical value. Absolute stylistic and technical coherence: A detailed analysis of these 6 works shows that they were all executed by the same hand or within the same designated creation studio. The artist used a common graphic matrix (template or profile mannequin figure) to design the models, and each board features the same characteristic free ground line traced with a brush. The presence of handwritten period inventory numbers and cutting lines confirms their status as exclusive working documents. Detailed composition of the lot (6 unique original works): The “Robe de Mariée” d’apparat: splendid long-train project, finely enhanced with the era’s white gouache, giving a textured relief that realistically imitates lace and vegetal embroidery. It bears the workshop manuscript reference No. 1052 on the back. The Grande Robe de Bal Corail: spectacular color maquette in vivid watercolor, presenting on the train the dotted black cutting lines typical of haute couture atelier patterns. The Robe de Jour Pourpre: fine watercolor enhanced with opaque white gouache to give relief to the large buttons and geometric ornaments of the skirt. It bears the inventory reference No. 1112 G written in pencil on the back. The Robe Gris Perle à pompons: detailed technical study of drapery, fastenings and passementerie of the train. La Jaquette de Promenade Bleue: profile study of a structured late-19th-century jacket. Le Croquis de Structure: technical and artistic pencil drawing and gray ink wash shaping the volumes of a skirt or a heavy coat. State of conservation: Very good overall condition for century-old graphic works. The thick cardboard paper has preserved its superb patina and its original rigidity. A few slight foxings and normal signs of time attest to their authenticity without altering the freshness of the colors and drawings (see photos). An ideal set for a project of exceptional art framing or to enrich a fashion history collection.