One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1852
Sheet size
26.3 × 17 cm (10.4 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14289-45
Condition
Overall in good condition with age-related toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Minor handling wear and light edge imperfections visible at the margins. Colors remain fresh and attractive. Large original margins preserved.
A dramatic and visually striking 19th-century hand-colored lithograph depicting Kurdish figures in traditional dress, published circa 1852. The composition portrays a standing Kurdish warrior armed with a long firearm and curved dagger, accompanied by a seated companion in regional attire. Rich in ethnographic detail, the print reflects the European fascination with the peoples and cultures of the Ottoman Empire and the Middle East during the 19th century.
The central figure wears a distinctive dark robe accented by a vivid crimson sash and an unusual pointed red cap, lending the image a bold and theatrical appearance. His long rifle and traditional weaponry emphasize the martial identity historically associated with Kurdish tribal culture. The seated companion, wrapped in lighter garments and a patterned head covering, adds balance and narrative depth to the scene. Together, the figures create an evocative portrait of Kurdish life and costume from the period.
Executed in finely detailed lithography with delicate original hand-coloring, the print combines documentary value with strong decorative appeal. The restrained background keeps the focus on the expressive costumes and weaponry, while the soft tones and generous margins give the composition an elegant museum-like quality. Prints of this type were often issued in European ethnographic publications documenting the dress and customs of regions considered exotic or remote by contemporary audiences.
This piece would display beautifully in a study, library, or globally inspired interior, particularly when framed in dark walnut or ebonized wood with a warm ivory mat. It also pairs exceptionally well with other Ottoman, Persian, or Central Asian costume prints as part of a gallery wall or collector’s grouping.
Condition report: Overall in good condition with age-related toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Minor handling wear and light edge imperfections visible at the margins. Colors remain fresh and attractive. Large original margins preserved.
The print is an original antique lithograph, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph Maker: Dutch, circa 1852
