About this sheet
Orange Seller from Murcia – Hand-Colored Engraving by Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur, c.1797
A charming late-18th-century hand-colored engraving titled “Marchand d’Orange de Murcie” (Orange Seller from Murcia), drawn by Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur and engraved by J. Laroque, published circa 1797 in Paris. This print forms part of Grasset de Saint-Sauveur’s celebrated costume series Costumes Civils Actuels de Tous les Peuples Connus, which documented traditional attire and occupations from around the world.
The image presents a Murcian orange merchant on horseback, dressed in a distinctive violet cloak with green trim and wearing a broad-brimmed hat adorned with gold details. The rider, armed with a musket, carries baskets filled with oranges and produce — a vivid representation of the rural trade routes of southern Spain during the late 18th century. The donkey, rendered with fine attention to anatomical detail, is equipped with red and white harnesses, enhancing the lively palette typical of Grasset’s costume engravings.
Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (1757–1810) was a French diplomat, ethnographer, and artist, renowned for his extensive illustrated works depicting the customs, dress, and occupations of various nations. His costume studies combined anthropological curiosity with artistic grace, offering European audiences a window into the lives of distant peoples.
This particular plate, engraved by J. Laroque, showcases the precision and elegance of French Enlightenment engraving techniques, with delicate linework and rich hand-coloring that bring texture and depth to the scene.
Condition report:
Good condition. Rich, original hand-coloring preserved with minimal toning and faint handling marks. Slight foxing at the outer edges, well outside the image area. Strong impression with visible plate mark.
Framing tips:
This work displays beautifully in a gold or dark walnut frame with a warm cream or light olive mat. Floating the print is recommended to showcase the full plate mark and border design.
Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Maker: J. Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (designer), J. Laroque (engraver), Paris, circa 1797
