Nicolaus Heideloff

Nicolaus Heideloff was an illustrator and print publisher known for his activity during a focused period between 1794 and 1796. His documented work centers entirely on fashion illustration and the production of high-quality periodicals related to contemporary costume.

Eight known works by Heideloff are represented in major collections, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art. These works include several individual examples titled Fashion plate, confirming his specialization in detailed costume imagery executed through printmaking. Heideloff’s most significant documented contribution is the serial publication of the Gallery of Fashion. Two volumes of this comprehensive work are held in collections: Gallery of Fashion, vol. I: April 1, 1794- March 1, 1795 and Gallery of Fashion, vol. III: April 1 1796 - March 1 1797.

These illustrated books function as vital historical resources, documenting European sartorial trends at the close of the 18th century. Today, many original Nicolaus Heideloff prints derived from these publications are preserved. Due to the age of the original works, much of this material is now in the public domain, allowing institutions and private collectors to access and reproduce high-quality prints for research and display.