About this sheet
Byzantine Costume Plate 800–1100, Antique Hand-Colored Print c.1880
This beautifully rendered antique costume plate presents a vivid overview of Byzantine dress from the years 800–1100, a period marked by imperial splendor, court ritual, and highly codified ceremonial clothing. Divided into two richly composed registers, the print offers a detailed look at officials, nobles, soldiers, clergy, and attendants, each wearing garments that reflect the cultural, political, and religious significance of Byzantium at its height.
The upper register portrays imperial and aristocratic figures, including a seated ruler with shield and mace, clerical dignitaries in embroidered vestments, and military leaders clad in elaborately patterned armor. The deep reds, blues, and golds—accentuated through hand-applied coloring—evoke the visual richness of the Eastern Roman Empire. The ornamental cloaks, tablia, jeweled fibulae, and meticulously illustrated shields reflect the artistic priorities of Byzantine textile workshops and court attire.
The lower register highlights additional figures associated with both secular and ecclesiastical roles. Soldiers hold spears and rounded shields decorated with intricate patterns, while court officials are shown carrying vessels and wearing garments edged with geometric motifs. A bishop in green and white vestments brings religious hierarchy into focus. The blending of military, ceremonial, and clerical types makes this plate especially appealing to collectors of early medieval art and costume.
Printed by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G. in Berlin and drawn by Max Tilke, the plate comes from one of the most respected historical costume publications of the late 19th century. Its combination of scholarly accuracy and decorative appeal makes it an ideal wall piece for interiors with classical, Byzantine, or academic themes.
Condition report: Very good antique condition with soft age toning. Minor edge wear and faint spotting in margins. Image area clean with strong, vivid coloring.
Framing tips: Use a warm ivory mat to complement the gold and crimson tones. A dark walnut frame adds richness, while a thin antique-gold frame enhances the regal character of the figures. Floating the sheet shows the full imprint and reinforces a museum-quality presentation.
