About this sheet
Russian Peasants from the Tver Governorate Antique Costume Lithograph c.1852
This attractive nineteenth-century hand-colored lithograph depicts “Landlieden uit het Gouvernement Twer,” translated from Dutch as peasants from the Tver Governorate, a historic province of the Russian Empire located northwest of Moscow and centered on the city of Tver. The scene portrays a rural family group consisting of a peasant woman, an elderly man, and a young child, offering a charming glimpse into everyday life in nineteenth-century rural Russia.
The composition is particularly appealing for its narrative quality. The woman stands carrying a large agricultural rake across her shoulder, dressed in a colorful traditional costume featuring a richly decorated apron, embroidered bodice, headscarf, and long skirt. Beside her stands a child wearing a simple tunic and cross pendant, while an elderly bearded man in traditional village dress appears engaged in conversation. Together they form an intimate portrait of family and agricultural life within the Russian countryside.
Throughout the nineteenth century, illustrated costume series documenting the peoples and regional dress of Europe were highly popular among collectors and travelers. The vast Russian Empire fascinated Western European audiences, and publishers frequently included depictions of provincial life, emphasizing distinctive local costumes, occupations, and customs. This print combines ethnographic interest with the romantic artistic sensibilities of the period, presenting rural life as both picturesque and culturally significant.
The hand-coloring enhances the scene beautifully, highlighting the contrasting blues, reds, yellows, and soft earth tones of the garments. Fine lithographic linework provides texture and detail while preserving the warmth and humanity of the figures. The broad margins surrounding the composition further contribute to its decorative elegance and suitability for framing.
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, scattered foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Small imperfections along the margins and lower left edge are present but do not affect the image. Overall in good condition with attractive original hand-coloring and generous margins.
Framing tips: Particularly effective in a dark walnut, black, or lightly gilt frame with a warm ivory mat. An excellent choice for collectors of Russian folk culture, ethnographic costume studies, and nineteenth-century European genre prints.
Technique: Original hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Dutch, circa 1852
