About this sheet
An original hand-colored lithograph depicting two women in traditional regional dress from Peru, published circa 1841 and drawn by the French artist Pierre Blanchard (1793–1864). The plate portrays an "Indienne de Huarachiri (Pérou)" and an "Indienne de Guancavelica (Pérou)," offering a fascinating visual record of nineteenth-century Peruvian costume and cultural identity.
The composition presents two full-length female figures against a restrained background, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the distinctive clothing and accessories associated with their respective regions. The woman from Huarochirí is shown wearing a broad-brimmed hat and a dark dress accented with vivid yellow trim and a red shawl. Opposite her stands a woman from Huancavelica dressed in a rich blue gown complemented by a striking red mantle edged with yellow decoration. The vibrant original hand-coloring remains one of the most appealing features of the print, highlighting the elegance and individuality of these traditional garments.
Pierre Blanchard was among the leading French illustrators of travel and ethnographic subjects during the first half of the nineteenth century. His work helped introduce European audiences to the peoples, customs, and dress of distant regions at a time when scientific exploration and international travel were rapidly expanding. Prints such as this served both educational and artistic purposes, documenting cultural traditions while providing visually engaging images for publication in luxury travel atlases.
The large margins surrounding the figures create a refined and sophisticated presentation characteristic of high-quality French atlas plates. The simplicity of the composition gives the costumes exceptional visual impact and makes the print remarkably modern in appearance despite its age. Today, such engravings are appreciated not only as historical documents but also as highly decorative works suitable for contemporary interiors.
This print appeals to collectors of Peru, South American history, ethnographic art, traditional costume, travel literature, and nineteenth-century exploration. The combination of original hand-coloring, attractive subject matter, and generous folio format makes it an especially desirable example.
This is an original nineteenth-century hand-colored lithograph, not a later reproduction. Sold unframed.
Condition Report:
Good condition consistent with age. Light age toning and scattered foxing, primarily visible in the wide margins. Minor handling wear at the sheet edges. Original hand-coloring remains fresh and attractive. Please review images carefully.
Framing Tips:
This print displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or lightly gilded frame paired with an ivory museum-quality mat. The large margins and vivid colors benefit from generous matting, creating a refined gallery presentation. Particularly suitable for traditional, contemporary, South American-inspired, and travel-themed interiors.
Please note that any framed or room-view images are provided for visualization purposes only. The print is sold unframed, and framed examples may not be shown to exact scale.
Technique: Lithograph with Original Hand Coloring
Maker: Pierre Blanchard (1793–1864), France, circa 1841.
