Henri Boutet

Henri Boutet
Henri Boutet (1851–1919), French, Henri Boutet, born on May 25, 1851, in Sainte-Hermine and passing on June 9, 1919, in Paris, was a distinguished French draftsman and engraver, often celebrated as the 'petit maître du corset' or the 'painter of the midinette'. His artistic journey began in a family of artisans, with his father being a goldsmith and his grandfather an innkeeper in Sainte-Hermine. Boutet's early collaboration with Henri Second in directing the review L'Art moderne (1882–1883) marked his entry into the world of art, where his contributions included notable engravings. His illustration for Jean-Louis Dubut de Laforest's play, Le Rêve d'un Viveur, showcased his burgeoning talent.
During the 1890s, Boutet carved a niche for himself with etchings and drypoints depicting women in déshabillé, embodying the 'Parisienne' style, which garnered acclaim among connoisseurs. His limited edition prints led him to establish his own publishing house, supplying works to prominent periodicals and artistic publications. Boutet's oeuvre extended to illustrating almanacs, calendars, and menus, reflecting his versatility. His involvement in the cultural and political milieu was evident when he signed the Ligue de la patrie française's declaration during the Dreyfus affair, aligning with a moderately nationalist stance devoid of antisemitism. Boutet's legacy includes significant works like Autour d'elles – Le lever – Le coucher and Les Modes féminines du XIXe siècle, the latter a comprehensive visual chronicle of women's fashion evolution from 1801 to 1900. His participation in the Salon des arts incohérents and the Salon des Cent further cemented his status in the art world. Boutet's personal life saw his daughter Jeanne marry Paul Guignebault, a painter-engraver and his student, intertwining his professional and familial spheres.
  • 1868 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    1868 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    A Parisian woman adjusts her gloves, the intricate lace of her gown catching the light. The bustle of 19th-century fashion swirls around her—corseted waists, voluminous skirts, the quiet confidence of a city defining style. Every fold and ribbon whispers an era where elegance was armor.

  • 1897 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    1897 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    A Parisian woman adjusts her gloves, the intricate lace of her dress catching the light. The corset’s rigid silhouette contrasts with the soft drape of her skirt—every detail whispers the unspoken rules of 19th-century elegance. Fashion here isn’t just clothing; it’s armor and art fused into one.

  • Les modes féminines du XIXe siècle – Frontispiece (1902)

    Les modes féminines du XIXe siècle – Frontispiece (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    Elegant gowns swirl in delicate ink lines, each fold whispering of 19th-century femininity. A parade of silhouettes—corseted waists, cascading skirts—etched with precision, revealing how fabric shaped identity. The page hums with unspoken rules of beauty, a visual archive of society’s ever-shifting ideals.

  • 1898 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    1898 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    A Parisian woman adjusts her gloves, the intricate lace of her gown catching the light. The bustle of 19th-century fashion swirls around her—corsets, parasols, the whisper of silk. Every detail speaks of an era where elegance was armor and every outing a performance.

  • 1866 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    1866 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    A Parisian woman adjusts her gloves, the intricate lace of her gown catching the light. The folds of her skirt whisper against the cobblestones, a fleeting glimpse of 19th-century elegance frozen in time. Every ruffle and ribbon speaks of an era when fashion was both armor and art.

  • 1870 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    1870 [Women’s fashion in nineteenth-century Paris] (1902)

    Henri Boutet (French, 1851–1919)

    A Parisian woman adjusts her gloves, the intricate lace of her gown catching the light. The corset’s silhouette and cascading skirts speak of an era where fashion was both armor and art. Every fold, every ribbon, a silent declaration of status and style.