About this sheet
This beautifully detailed hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Russie,” is from Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, published in Paris circa 1845–1850 by Amédée Bedelet. The plate was drawn by Fossey, lithographed by J. Bocquin, and printed by the renowned Imprimerie Lemercier. This elegant series, accompanied by text by Élisabeth Müller, offers one of the most comprehensive mid-19th-century visual surveys of national and regional dress across the world.
The composition depicts a lively yet refined tableau of Russian and Finnish figures, highlighting both urban and rural costumes. At the center, a paysan et paysanne finlandais (Finnish peasant couple) walk together, their garments richly decorated in deep blue and green with embroidered golden borders and patterned aprons, symbolizing the enduring folk traditions of Finland under Russian rule. The man wears a brown coat and boots, while his companion’s costume is marked by a vibrant headband and elegant layering—elements characteristic of northern peasant attire.
To the left, a nourrice et garçon cosaque (Cossack nurse and boy) stand near a laitière (milkmaid), representing the domestic and working-class population of Imperial Russia. Their colorful clothing contrasts with the muted tones of the Finnish figures, showing the variety of social types found in the Russian Empire. On the right, an enfant de N° Deremna (street child), a cocher de St. Pétersbourg (coachman), and a marchand (merchant) appear against a neoclassical architectural backdrop. The domes and statues—possibly alluding to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and the equestrian statue of Peter the Great—evoke the grandeur of 19th-century St. Petersburg, the imperial capital and a symbol of modernization.
The lithograph balances ethnographic documentation with artistic grace, typical of the Romantic period’s fascination with national character and costume. Each figure is rendered with careful attention to texture and color: the bright reds, golds, and blues of the fabrics convey regional identity while harmonizing within the composition’s elegant tonal structure.
As part of Le Monde en Estampes, this print reflects France’s deep curiosity about the customs and peoples of the vast Russian Empire and its neighboring regions. Such works were not only educational but also served as artistic tributes to the diversity of European civilization.
Condition report: Very good condition with light foxing and toning confined mainly to the outer margins. Strong impression, vivid hand-coloring, and wide borders intact.
Framing tips: Ideal with an ivory or light cream mat and a dark walnut or gilded frame. To accentuate the cool palette of the Finnish costumes, a pale gray-blue inner mat creates a refined, harmonious presentation.
