Venetian Woman – Rare Antique Costume Woodcut by Jost Amman, 16th Century
€ 198
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Mapmaker / artist
Jost Amman, published by Hans Weigel, Nuremberg, 1577
Technique
Hand-coloured woodcut
Sheet size
30.7 × 20 cm (12.1 × 7.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
PCT-61857
Condition
Impression with vivid original hand-colouring. Some light toning and minor foxing across the sheet, faint handling marks, and small imperfections at edges consistent with age. Strong woodcut lines preserved.
This beautifully hand-coloured woodcut depicts a Venetian woman in rich 16th-century attire, titled *Veneta Mulier*. She is shown in a full golden-yellow gown with pink drapery, adorned with jewelry, and wrapped in a green striped mantle that covers her head and shoulders. The figure emphasizes the elegance and modesty of Venetian women, aligning with Renaissance ideals of dignity and decorum.
The German verses beneath read: *“Also gehen die Weiber zu Venedig / Also gehen daher züchtig / Die Weiber zu Venedig / In einem solch herrlichem Gwand / Wie bräuchlich ist in ihrem Land.”* This translates to: “Thus go the women of Venice; thus they walk modestly, the women of Venice, in such splendid garments as is customary in their land.” These inscriptions reinforced the association between costume, morality, and social identity for Renaissance readers.
The plate originates from Jost Amman’s renowned *Habitus praecipuorum populorum tam virorum quam foeminarum singulari arte depicti*, known as the *Trachtenbuch* (published by Hans Weigel, Nuremberg, 1577). This landmark costume book provided one of the earliest systematic surveys of global dress, capturing the appearance of men and women from Europe and beyond. Amman’s work not only recorded contemporary fashions but also reflected Renaissance curiosity about other cultures.
Jost Amman (1539–1591), a Swiss-born artist who settled in Nuremberg, was one of the most prolific illustrators of the 16th century. His finely detailed woodcuts ranged from book illustrations to single-sheet prints, as well as designs for stained glass and decorative arts. The *Trachtenbuch* remains his most influential and widely admired contribution, offering an invaluable record of historical costume.
Condition: Good impression with vivid original hand-colouring. Some light toning and minor foxing across the sheet, faint handling marks, and small imperfections at edges consistent with age. Strong woodcut lines preserved.
Framing tips: A gilt frame paired with a cream mount will accentuate the richness of the costume and jewel tones, while a walnut frame provides a refined, scholarly presentation.
