Italian Costume – Woman of Turin in Traditional Dress, 1835
€ 170
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1835
Sheet size
31.6 × 24 cm (12.4 × 9.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13605-2-9
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
Good condition with slight age-related toning, mild foxing on the edges, and minor handling creases. The vibrant hand coloring remains intact, highlighting the print’s historical charm.
About this sheet
Costume of Turin – Vivid 1835 Hand-Colored Print by R. Bridgens
This captivating hand-colored print, titled “Costume of Turin,” was published in 1835 by J. Dowding in London and is part of the remarkable series “Illustrations of the Manners and Costumes of France, Switzerland and Italy” by R. Bridgens. Bridgens, an esteemed illustrator of the early 19th century, created these works to document and celebrate the regional dress and customs of Europe, combining meticulous ethnographic detail with the artistry of hand coloring.
This print features a woman from Turin, dressed in a striking traditional costume that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Piedmont region. Her attire is marked by a high white headdress, adding an air of elegance and formality, and a long green apron that contrasts vividly with her red bodice and skirt. The color palette is bold yet refined, showing the artistic flair that was typical of Bridgens’ illustrations.
The background scene adds further context, with an intimate view of a café bustling with life. Patrons sit at tables, sharing drinks and conversation, while in the background, figures in working dress prepare food over an open fire. This lively scene of daily life in 19th-century Turin contrasts charmingly with the poised and stately figure of the flower seller, blending the elegance of regional costume with the warm familiarity of a local gathering place.
The print’s careful composition and warm hand-colored detail capture the essence of Turin as it was in the 1830s, showcasing not just a beautiful costume but also a vivid snapshot of urban Italian life. Bridgens’ work remains highly prized for its unique ability to preserve both the beauty of regional dress and the human stories behind them.
Condition Summary: Good condition with slight age-related toning, mild foxing on the edges, and minor handling creases. The vibrant hand coloring remains intact, highlighting the print’s historical charm.
Framing Tips: Frame with a classic gold or black wood frame, and use an ivory or cream mount to accentuate the hand coloring. UV-protective glass will help preserve the vividness of this antique print.
