About this sheet
This lithograph from "Costume du Moyen Âge," dated 1847, captures the elegance and vibrancy of a lady's attire during the Renaissance period. The lady is depicted in profile, her gaze demurely cast down, which along with her gentle posture, reflects the era's feminine ideals. She is dressed in a richly colored gown, the bodice in a deep red hue cinched at the waist, leading to a flowing skirt. The dramatic chevron patterns in yellow adorning her bodice are indicative of the period's bold fashion statements.
Over her gown, she wears a blue overgarment, edged with a golden trim that catches the light, suggesting movement and a luxurious texture. The full sleeves of her underdress are visible and match the blue of her overgarment, a nod to the layered styles of the time.
Her hair is pulled back smoothly from her face, and she wears a simple yet elegant headdress, typical of the societal standards for a woman of her station. The subtle jewelry at her neck and the rosary-like beads she holds in her hand are symbols of both piety and status.
This image not only reflects the styles of clothing worn by women of the Renaissance but also embodies the societal expectations and roles of women during this period. It provides a window into the past, offering a glimpse of the day-to-day elegance that would have been present in the life of a woman from the higher echelons of society. The lithograph is a visual testament to the intricate designs and fabric choices that were hallmarks of Renaissance fashion.
The colors have a nice glow over them. Historically, egg whites, known as glair, and sometimes egg yolk were indeed used in illumination and painting, particularly in manuscripts, to give colors a brighter appearance and to add a sheen or gloss to the work. This technique was quite common during the Middle Ages and into the Renaissance.
Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.
Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces.
In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.
