Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Some scattered foxing and light toning, mainly in the margins. Colors remain strong and vibrant. Plate mark visible. Paper in good condition with full margins.
Antique Costume Print of Scottish Clan Chief in Highland Dress, 1854
This hand-colored lithograph, published in 1854 in Album des Voyages Anciens et Modernes by Martial Ardant Frères, portrays a “Chef de Clan” (Clan Chief) from Scotland. The figure is shown in full Highland dress, carrying both sword and shield, a striking representation of Scottish identity as perceived in mid-19th century Europe.
The chief wears a dark green tartan plaid jacket with a matching kilt, complemented by a red-and-white crossbelt and a sporran adorned with decorative tassels. His legs are covered by tartan hose in a red diamond pattern, paired with black shoes. On his head rests a large fur bonnet with a red-and-white checked band, typical of Highland regalia. He holds a broadsword in one hand and a targe (round Highland shield) in the other, emphasizing his role as a warrior-leader. The background suggests a rugged Highland landscape with rocks and rough terrain, reinforcing the association with Scotland’s wild and independent spirit.
Such images reflected the European fascination with Scotland during the Romantic period, a time when writers like Sir Walter Scott had popularized the image of Highland clans, their traditions, and their role in history. For French readers of the 1850s, the figure of the Scottish clan chief embodied both noble bravery and cultural distinctiveness. The print captures the theatrical elegance of the costume as much as the martial character of the subject.
As a costume plate, this lithograph combines artistic detail with ethnographic interest. The carefully applied hand-coloring highlights the vivid tartan patterns and accessories, lending authenticity and vibrancy to the depiction. Today, the print serves as both a decorative artwork and a historical representation of how Scotland and its traditions were imagined abroad in the 19th century.
Condition report: Some scattered foxing and light toning, mainly in the margins. Colors remain strong and vibrant. Plate mark visible. Paper in good condition with full margins.
Framing tips: A dark wood frame with a green or burgundy mat would echo the tartan colors beautifully. Alternatively, a gold-leaf frame with a cream mat will highlight the historical and noble theme of the subject, making the figure stand out as a decorative centerpiece.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Martial Ardant Frères, Paris & Limoges, 1854
