Antique Hand-Colored Print, North American Indigenous People, ca.1805
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1805
Sheet size
22.5 × 13 cm (8.9 × 5.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13696-16
Condition
Good antique condition overall. Some age-related toning, light handling marks, and minor margin imperfections. Image area remains strong with vibrant original color. Visible plate mark consistent with the printing process.
About this sheet
Antique Hand-Colored Print “Noord-Indianen”, North American Indigenous People, ca. 1803–1808
A beautifully hand-colored original print showing Indigenous people of North America, published in Amsterdam in the early 19th century as part of the important ethnographic work *De Mensch, zoo als hij voorkomt op den Bekenden Aardbol* by Martinus Stuart, engraved and illustrated by Jaques Kuyper. This ambitious publication documented cultures around the world, based on historical European observations of Indigenous societies.
The artwork depicts a hunting scene: a man adorned with feathers and traditional ornaments gestures toward a distant settlement, while a woman works on a deer carcass and a child holds a fur. The rich hand-coloring enhances the natural setting—lush forest trees, a traditional dwelling, and the subdued tones of buckskin clothing. The scene reflects the perception of North American Indigenous life through a European lens during the Age of Enlightenment.
Created between 1803 and 1808 and engraved by L. Portman after drawings by J. Kuyper, this ethnographic print is historically relevant and visually compelling. These plates are well-known among collectors for their vibrant, early coloring and their documentation of cultural history.
This authentic early 19th-century print is ideal for framing and display in an eclectic interior, study, or gallery wall—an attractive artwork with strong decorative and historical appeal.
Condition: Good antique condition overall. Some age-related toning, light handling marks, and minor margin imperfections. Image area remains strong with vibrant original color. Visible plate mark consistent with the printing process.
Framing Suggestions: A natural wood frame with soft white matting will emphasize the earthy palette. For a bolder presentation, pair with a dark walnut or black frame and matching archival mat.
Technique: Engraving with original hand-coloring Maker: Jaques Kuyper (del.), L. Portman (sculpt.), Amsterdam, ca. 1803–1808
