Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Light foxing and toning in the margins, consistent with age. Colors remain strong and well-preserved. Plate mark visible. Wide margins intact and paper stable.
Mexican Woman Costume Print – Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
This antique hand-colored lithograph, published in 1854 in Album des Voyages Anciens et Modernes by Martial Ardant Frères, depicts a woman from Mexico in traditional dress. The figure is shown standing gracefully, her attire richly layered and accented by a lace mantilla, reflecting the blending of Spanish colonial and local influences in Mexican costume of the time.
She wears a green bodice with puffed sleeves, paired with a dark skirt edged in gold. Over the skirt, she has a brightly decorated apron with colorful embroidery in red, blue, and yellow, which adds both elegance and folkloric charm. Draped over her head and shoulders is a delicate lace mantilla with gold trim, a hallmark of Hispanic tradition, which frames her face and enhances her refinement. A pearl necklace and a pink flower ornament in her hair complete the costume. Red slippers peeking from beneath the hem add a final splash of color.
In the mid-19th century, Mexico captured European imaginations as both exotic and culturally rich. Costume plates such as this one offered readers a stylized glimpse into the diversity of attire from across the globe, presenting Mexican dress as both picturesque and distinctive. The inclusion of the mantilla emphasized continuity with Spanish traditions, while the vibrant embroidery reflected local artistry and identity.
The hand-applied coloring is particularly vivid in this plate, with the contrast between the green bodice, black skirt, and bright apron giving the composition strong visual appeal. For collectors today, the print offers both decorative charm and historical interest, serving as a record of how Mexican culture was represented to European audiences in the 19th century.
Condition report: Light foxing and toning in the margins, consistent with age. Colors remain strong and well-preserved. Plate mark visible. Wide margins intact and paper stable.
Framing tips: A gilt frame with a cream mat will emphasize the elegance of the lace mantilla, while a dark wood frame with a green mat will bring out the tones of the bodice and balance the vibrant colors of the apron.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Martial Ardant Frères, Paris & Limoges, 1854
