Ethnography
€ 110
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
condition with consistent age-toning. Minor scattered foxing in the margins. Left margin with mild edge wear from binding. No tears or repairs. Image remains sharp and well-defined.
Indigenous Peoples Near Quebec – 19th Century Ethnographic Print of Canada
This antique print offers a striking ethnographic view of Indigenous peoples from the region surrounding Quebec, Canada. The composition features six figures—both men and women—portrayed in traditional winter dress. They stand in a wooded, snow-covered landscape, and are shown wearing layered woolen garments, moccasins, and blankets, with feathered headdresses and sashes. One man holds a rifle, another is equipped with snowshoes, and a third rests his hand on a snowshoe, underscoring their adaptation to the northern climate. The central female figure is wrapped in a thick shawl with her long hair loose, evoking both dignity and quiet strength.
The plate is titled “Indiens des Environs de Québec” (Indians of the Vicinity of Quebec), and was engraved by Lemaitre after drawings from the collection of Alexandre Vattemare, a French philanthropist and collector known for his travels in North America in the early 19th century. It was likely produced in France around 1850 and formed part of a broader series documenting North American culture and landscapes for a European audience.
While the specific tribe is not named on the print, the dress, tools, and location strongly suggest that the individuals depicted belong to one or more First Nations groups living near Quebec City during this period. These would most likely include the Wendat (Huron-Wendat), Abenaki, or Algonquin peoples. The use of snowshoes, fur-lined garments, and trade blankets, combined with the overall styling, aligns closely with the traditional material culture of these Algonquian-speaking peoples who maintained an enduring presence in the region.
This print is a rare and respectful visual document of Indigenous life in pre-industrial Canada, offering both artistic value and anthropological insight. The fine detail in the clothing, tools, and forest background demonstrates the engraver’s careful attention to authenticity and atmosphere.
The technique used is steel engraving on paper, known for its ability to capture intricate textures and sharp contours, making it ideal for this kind of illustrative ethnography.
Condition: Good condition with consistent age-toning. Minor scattered foxing in the margins. Left margin with mild edge wear from binding. No tears or repairs. Image remains sharp and well-defined.
Framing tips: This expressive monochrome work would pair well with a dark wooden frame, such as walnut or ebony, combined with a soft cream or warm beige mat. An inner border in a muted rust or natural brown tone would enhance the earthy character of the scene.
Technique: Steel engraving
Maker: Lemaitre after Vattemare, France, c. 1850
