About this sheet
An original hand-colored engraving published in 1806 depicting two highly imaginative warrior figures identified as "Amazone d'Afrique" (African Amazon) and "Guerrière de la rivière des Amazones" (Warrior of the River of the Amazons). The print reflects early nineteenth-century European fascination with legendary female warriors, exotic cultures, and distant lands, combining ethnographic curiosity with romanticized costume design.
The composition presents two striking figures adorned with elaborate feathered headdresses, decorative garments, arm ornaments, and weapons. One figure is shown seated holding arrows, while the other stands armed with a spear. The richly colored costumes and theatrical poses reveal the influence of Enlightenment-era and Napoleonic-period costume books, which sought to illustrate the peoples and traditions of the world for a European audience.
Drawn by G. J. Saurin and engraved by Lachaussée, the print belongs to a series illustrating the Americas and other regions of the world. Like many costume engravings of the period, it blends historical sources, travelers' accounts, classical mythology, and artistic interpretation. The reference to Amazons recalls the legendary female warriors of antiquity while also alluding to the Amazon River basin of South America, whose name itself derives from early European accounts of female warriors encountered during exploration.
The hand coloring remains particularly attractive, highlighting the featherwork, textiles, and weapons. The elegant engraved linework and generous margins make this an appealing decorative piece as well as an interesting historical document reflecting European perceptions of foreign cultures during the early nineteenth century.
Today, prints of this type are sought after by collectors of costume books, ethnographic imagery, exploration history, South American subjects, and decorative hand-colored engravings. The unusual subject matter and strong visual appeal make it a particularly engaging example.
This is an original nineteenth-century hand-colored engraving, not a later reproduction. Sold unframed.
Condition Report:
Condition consistent with age. Light age toning, minor foxing, and occasional handling wear in the margins. Attractive original hand coloring. Wide margins and strong impression. Please examine all photographs carefully.
Framing Tips:
This print displays exceptionally well in a dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilt frame with an ivory museum-quality mat. The colorful costume subject works beautifully in studies, libraries, eclectic interiors, travel-themed collections, and gallery walls featuring ethnographic or exploration prints.
Please note that any framed or room-view images are provided for visualization purposes only. The print is sold unframed, and framed examples may not be shown to exact scale.
Technique: Copper Engraving with Original Hand Coloring
Maker: G. J. Saurin (designer), engraved by Lachaussée, France, 1806.
