Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 195
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Age-related toning and occasional minor spotting to the paper, with light edge wear consistent with age. Overall in good condition with attractive original hand-coloring and broad margins.
Calabrian Countryman in Traditional Dress Antique Lithograph c.1852
This atmospheric nineteenth-century hand-colored lithograph depicts a “Calabrisch Landman,” or Calabrian countryman, shown seated in traditional rural attire from the southern Italian region of Calabria. The figure is portrayed with a strong romantic character, wearing layered garments including a rustic pointed hat, embroidered jacket, blue trousers, wrapped leggings, and carrying a firearm over the shoulder — details that reflect the fascination with regional costume and rural identity that swept through Europe during the nineteenth century.
The print captures the rugged and independent image often associated with southern Italy during this period. Calabria, forming the “toe” of the Italian peninsula, was viewed by many northern European artists and travelers as a land of dramatic landscapes, ancient traditions, and colorful local dress. Costume studies such as this were widely collected as visual records of European peoples and cultures, blending ethnographic curiosity with romantic artistic interpretation.
Particularly attractive is the restrained yet effective hand-coloring, which highlights the earthy greens, blues, reds, and browns of the costume while maintaining the delicate linework of the lithographic process. The seated pose and distant gaze lend the figure a theatrical and narrative quality, typical of mid-nineteenth century costume illustration. The wide margins and clean background further enhance the decorative appeal of the composition.
These costume lithographs were often issued in series intended for collectors, travelers, and readers interested in the diverse peoples and traditions of Europe. Today they remain highly sought after for their decorative qualities and historical charm, fitting beautifully into both traditional and modern interiors.
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.
Condition: Age-related toning and occasional minor spotting to the paper, with light edge wear consistent with age. Overall in good condition with attractive original hand-coloring and broad margins.
Framing tips: Excellent for display in a dark walnut, black, or rustic gilt frame with a warm ivory mat. Particularly effective when paired with other European costume prints in a gallery arrangement.
Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Dutch, circa 1852
