Renaissance Nobility: Württemberg and Mainz Engraved and Handcolored, circa 1850
€ 219
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1850
Sheet size
19 × 15 cm (7.5 × 5.9 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13675-10, BG-13675-11
Condition
Good. Minor wear due to aging. One brown spot in one print, otherwise fine decorative small prints. Small pieces of archival tape on the reverse of both prints. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This composite image juxtaposes two hand-colored prints from the Renaissance era, offering a glimpse into the fashion and familial representation of German nobility.
On the left, a bridegroom from the Württemberg lineage is flanked by his supporters, embodying the sartorial elegance of a wedding occasion. The image features three men dressed in late Renaissance or early Baroque fashion, typical of European nobility. Their clothing includes doublets with slashed sleeves, prominent ruffs around their necks, and hose. They wear hats and their garments are adorned with patterns and possibly fur trim, indicating a status of wealth or nobility.
To the right, a nobleman of Mainz is depicted with two young boys, likely his sons or wards, dressed in the vibrant colors and rich textures that signify their high social standing. Together, these prints serve not only as historical records of their time but also as a celebration of cultural heritage and the intricate details of Renaissance attire. The man's clothing is notably layered and includes a cloak, a high-collared garment with decorative elements, and he wears a beard, common for the time. The boys are similarly dressed in tunics and hose with decorative elements.
The images you have uploaded appear to be historical prints depicting individuals in attire from specific periods or regions.
Both images are hand colored, suggesting they have been hand-tinted after printing, which was a common practice to add value and visual appeal to prints in past centuries.
The clothing and style suggest that the images could have been produced in the 16th or 17th century, though without more context it's difficult to pinpoint the exact date or purpose of these prints. They may have been part of a historical record, a fashion compendium, or a book of family lineages.
