Antique French Renaissance-Style Theatrical Tunic | Circa 1900 | Aristide Boyer Marseille | Black Wool with Hanging Sleeves

Antique French theatrical tunic in a Renaissance Revival style, made circa 1900 by Aristide Boyer of Marseille. Constructed from black wool with a lining in either cotton or fine linen, the tunic features a high collar, front button closure with large faceted black glass buttons (one missing), and a pleated skirted lower section.

The tunic has a distinctive two-part sleeve construction:

• Inner sleeves are made of black silk, fitted through the arm, and finished with gathered cotton ruffle cuffs.
• Outer sleeves are large, open, and hanging—made of the same black wool as the body—lined in contrasting satin: one yellow, one purple. This style is historically known as a hanging sleeve or false sleeve, associated with Renaissance dress. 

The interior bears the stamped maker’s mark:

“ARISTIDE BOYER / 69694 / MARSEILLE”, with the numbers “2” and “46.”

 Such a wonderful piece of weather costume history.

Measurements (taken flat):

• Underarm to underarm: 18.5 in / 47 cm
• Shoulder to shoulder: 16.5 in / 42 cm
• Sleeve length (excluding ruffle cuff): 21.5 in / 55 cm
• Full sleeve length (shoulder to end): 34.5 in / 88 cm
• Neck to waist: 20 in / 51 cm
• Full length (shoulder to hem): 35 in / 89 cm
• Waist (measured flat across): 17 in / 43 cm

Condition:

• Freshly laundered
• One front button is missing
• Some buttonholes are damaged and need repair
• Wear and visible repairs to the lower hem; velvet trim is partially detached and needs re-stitching
• Small tear on front left near waistband (not highly visible)
• Tear on upper left sleeve
• L-shaped stitched repair on outer black wool of left sleeve
• Moth holes in the lining of the inner sleeves
• Some wear to the yellow and purple satin sleeve linings
• Structurally sound overall with wear consistent with age and theatrical use
• Please inspect all photos for condition details

Feel free to ask any questions before purchasing as my sales are final.