About this sheet
Antique Armenian Costume Prints, Hand-Colored Ethnographic Lithographs
A charming and elegant pair of mid-19th century hand-colored lithographs depicting Armenian figures in traditional costume, published circa 1852. The set portrays a young Armenian woman in flowing ceremonial dress alongside an Armenian merchant dressed in regional attire, offering a refined visual record of Armenian costume and social identity during the Ottoman and Persian era.
The female figure, titled “Jonge Armenische Vrouw” (“Young Armenian Woman”), is especially graceful in her movement and presentation. She is shown wearing layered white garments beneath a richly trimmed green jacket, complemented by a soft pink veil flowing around her shoulders. Her poised stance and delicate costume details give the composition both elegance and romantic appeal. The companion print depicts an “Armenisch Koopman” (“Armenian Merchant”), portrayed with a dignified posture, dark cap, embroidered sash, and richly colored garments in green, blue, and crimson tones.
Executed in finely detailed lithography with original hand-coloring, the prints combine ethnographic interest with understated decorative beauty. The restrained compositions focus attention entirely on the figures and their attire, allowing the textures, colors, and cultural details to stand out clearly. Such prints were commonly produced for European geographical and ethnographic publications documenting the peoples and customs of the Near East and Caucasus regions during the 19th century.
Today these works are appreciated both as historical costume studies and as decorative artworks suitable for classical, eclectic, or globally inspired interiors. Their soft colors and elegant vertical format make them particularly attractive displayed as a pair.
This set would frame beautifully in dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilded frames with warm ivory matting. They would display especially well in a study, library, hallway, or alongside collections of Ottoman, Persian, or Caucasian costume prints.
Condition report: Overall in good condition with age-related toning and occasional scattered foxing consistent with age. Minor edge wear and handling marks visible at the margins. Original hand-coloring remains fresh and attractive. Large original margins preserved.
The prints are original antique lithographs, not reproductions. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The pieces are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Original hand-colored lithographs
Maker: Dutch, circa 1852
