Antique 1845 Hand-Colored Engraving of Medieval Singer in Pink Robe, France
€ 220
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1845
Sheet size
30.3 × 22.3 cm (11.9 × 8.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14024-2-2
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
Good condition. The engraving is clean with strong original hand-coloring and excellent paper quality. Some light spotting in the margins and minor age-toning at the edges, not affecting the image area. Wide margins suitable for framing.
About this sheet
Antique 1845 Hand-Colored Engraving of Medieval Singer in Pink Robe, France
This finely hand-colored engraving from 1845 depicts a medieval male singer or minstrel, shown standing in profile and intently reading a musical manuscript. The figure wears a long, rose-colored robe with a deep crimson overfold, accented with gold and blue trim. The elegantly draped garment and the subject’s serene expression convey a sense of focused devotion, likely in preparation for a performance or liturgical chant.
Rendered in the style of early 15th-century dress (noted by the inscription “MCCCC. No 2” beneath the image), this figure exemplifies the romanticized medieval aesthetic favored in the 19th century. The work belongs to a series celebrating historical costume and ecclesiastical life, part of the broader Gothic Revival movement in mid-19th-century France. The simple yet dignified pose of the singer, paired with the soft pastel coloring, creates a refined composition emphasizing culture, intellect, and spiritual tradition.
This print likely served as both an artistic study and a visual reference for the history of costume, aligning with the period’s interest in reconstructing the Middle Ages through art, architecture, and literature.
Good condition. The engraving is clean with strong original hand-coloring and excellent paper quality. Some light spotting in the margins and minor age-toning at the edges, not affecting the image area. Wide margins suitable for framing.
Framing tip: This piece would pair well with others from the same series in a uniform presentation. A slim black or walnut frame with a warm ivory mat will highlight the figure’s coloring and period detail. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the soft pigments.
