Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1869
Mapmaker / artist
Firmin-Didot, Paris, after A. Racinet, c.1869
Technique
Chromolithograph
Sheet size
40.4 × 28.8 cm (15.9 × 11.3 in)
Reference
BG-13766-1
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Very good condition. Strong paper with only mild age-related toning. No tears or repairs observed. Vibrant original colors. Slight foxing in the wide margins only; image unaffected.
About this sheet
Primitive Ornament Plate – Colorful Ethnographic Design Lithograph, 19th c.
This striking 19th-century chromolithograph presents an intricate and vivid study of early ornamental styles from diverse primitive cultures. Titled "PRIMITIF" (Primitive), this plate is Plate I from the acclaimed series L'Ornement Polychrome, a foundational design reference compiled by Albert-Charles-Auguste Racinet. The plate showcases a rich mosaic of geometric, symbolic, and abstract motifs interpreted from early tribal and ethnographic traditions around the world.
Each segment of the composition displays a unique ornamental language—zigzag lines, meanders, stylized floral and animal motifs, and geometric repetitions. These were drawn from archaeological discoveries and early craftwork, reflecting the symbolic and spiritual expressions of ancient societies. From angular motifs that resemble African or Oceanic patterns to the more symmetrical, interlocking forms found in early Mediterranean or Asian artifacts, the print is a visual catalog of mankind’s earliest attempts to decorate their environment.
Published in Paris by Firmin-Didot around 1869, this plate was printed using chromolithography, a technique that allowed for vibrant, layered coloring and high detail. This process was particularly suited to Racinet’s aim of faithfully reproducing ornamental design in full color. The result is a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century French printmaking and ethnographic curiosity.
The print’s historical importance lies in its educational role: it served as a key reference for artists, designers, architects, and students of ornamentation during the decorative arts revival in Europe. Racinet’s work helped fuel the European fascination with “primitive” and non-Western design, feeding into Art Nouveau and later Art Deco styles.
Framing tips: This ornate and colorful plate suits a clean, contemporary black or dark wood frame with a wide ivory or warm white mat. For a more eclectic interior, consider a red-toned or olive wood frame to enhance the earthy color palette.
