Greek Gentleman in Traditional Costume - Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1852
€ 230
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1852
Mapmaker / artist
Dutch, circa 1852
Technique
Original hand-colored lithograph
Sheet size
26.3 × 17 cm (10.4 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14289-48
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Age-related toning and minor spotting to the paper, with light wear consistent with age. Overall in good condition with strong original hand-coloring and wide margins.
About this sheet
Greek Gentleman in Traditional Costume Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1852 This elegant mid-19th century costume lithograph depicts a Greek gentleman dressed in traditional attire, presented in a poised and theatrical stance characteristic of European ethnographic costume studies of the period. The figure wears richly detailed garments including a red fez, embroidered jacket, flowing white fustanella skirt, decorative sash with pistols, and traditional slippers, all rendered with fine hand-coloring that brings warmth and individuality to the composition.
The print bears the simple caption “Griek.”, the Dutch word for “Greek,” and was likely issued as part of a costume or ethnographic series illustrating the peoples and regional dress traditions of Europe and the eastern Mediterranean. During the nineteenth century, such lithographs were highly popular among collectors, travelers, and readers fascinated by foreign cultures, national identity, and romanticized regional costume traditions.
Particularly striking is the combination of military and folkloric elements in the costume. The fustanella, strongly associated with Greek national dress and independence movements of the early nineteenth century, became an iconic symbol of Greek identity throughout Europe after the Greek War of Independence. The carefully colored garments and expressive facial features give the figure both dignity and romantic character, reflecting the Orientalist and philhellenic taste fashionable in Europe during this period.
The lithographic technique allowed for delicate linework combined with hand-applied color, producing images that were both informative and decorative. The generous margins and minimalist composition place full attention on the costume itself, making the work especially suitable for framing either individually or as part of a gallery wall of historical costume prints.
The print is an original antique lithograph, not a reproduction. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Framing tips: Beautifully suited to a dark walnut, black, or lightly gilt frame with an ivory or warm cream mat. Also works well in a grouped display of ethnographic or costume prints.
