Ethnography · 19th century
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Good condition consistent with age. Soft toning and a few faint marks in margins. Image clean and richly detailed. No tears or fold lines intruding into the illustration. Ready to frame.
Egyptians – Antique Hand-Colored Ethnographic Engraving (c.1810)
Original early 19th-century hand-colored copperplate engraving depicting two Egyptians in an urban street setting. A man in a long robe and striped turban smokes a long-stemmed pipe, while a woman dressed in flowing fabrics and jewelry stands behind him wearing a distinctive face veil. Architectural details such as arched stonework and a minaret rising in the background evoke a lively North African cityscape — likely Cairo.
Drawn by J. Kuyper and engraved by L. Portman, this print was published in the Netherlands around 1810 as part of an ethnographic series illustrating global cultures during the age of exploration and Orientalist fascination. The hand coloring is beautifully preserved, highlighting soft violets, blues, gold tones, and the rhythmic folds of the garments.
A refined and culturally significant artwork with strong decorative appeal — ideal for collectors interested in Middle Eastern and North African history, early travel imagery, and antique costume prints.
Condition report: Good condition consistent with age. Soft toning and a few faint marks in margins. Image clean and richly detailed. No tears or fold lines intruding into the illustration. Ready to frame.
Framing tips:: A gold or dark wood frame paired with a cream or pale parchment mat enhances the historic and architectural nature of the print.
Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Maker: J. Kuyper (del.), L. Portman (sculp.), Netherlands, c.1810
Keywords: Egypt, Egyptian costume, Cairo, Orientalist art, North Africa, antique engraving, hand-colored print, ethnographic illustration, historical Egypt, street scene, cultural history, travel art, early 19th century, J. Kuyper, L. Portman, rare print
