Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 270
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 generous margins.
Ottoman Gentleman from Mardin Antique Costume Lithograph c.1852
This striking nineteenth-century hand-colored lithograph depicts an “Ottoman van Mardin,” portraying a gentleman from Mardin, one of the most historic cities of Upper Mesopotamia. Situated on a rocky ridge overlooking the plains of southeastern Anatolia, Mardin was an important crossroads of trade, culture, and religion within the Ottoman Empire, renowned for its diverse population of Turks, Arabs, Kurds, Armenians, and Syriac Christians.
The figure is shown in formal Ottoman attire, wearing a long green outer robe over darker garments, complemented by vivid red stockings and an elaborate yellow head covering. The costume reflects the rich textile traditions of the eastern provinces of the Ottoman Empire, where clothing often served as an indicator of social status, regional identity, and cultural affiliation. The layered robes, embroidered fabrics, and distinctive headdress would have been immediately recognizable to nineteenth-century European audiences fascinated by the peoples of the Near East.
During the nineteenth century, illustrated costume series documenting the inhabitants of Europe, Asia, and the Middle East became highly popular. Publishers sought to present a visual survey of the world's diverse cultures, combining ethnographic interest with decorative artistic appeal. Ottoman subjects were especially favored, reflecting Western Europe's growing curiosity about the eastern Mediterranean and the territories of the Ottoman Empire.
The lithograph is enhanced by attractive original hand-coloring, with the deep green robe contrasting beautifully against the brilliant yellow headpiece and rich red accents. Fine lithographic linework captures the folds of the garments and subtle facial details, while the generous margins and uncluttered background place full emphasis on the costume itself. The result is both an engaging historical document and a highly decorative work of art.
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 generous margins.
Framing tips: Particularly effective in a dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilt frame with a warm ivory mat. An excellent choice for collectors of Ottoman, Middle Eastern, or ethnographic costume prints, and especially attractive when displayed alongside other nineteenth-century costume studies.
Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Dutch, circa 1852
