Fashion & Costume · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Light foxing in the margins with mild toning. Image area bright and clean with vivid hand-applied colors. Plate mark visible. Paper stable with wide margins.
Russian Woman Costume Print – Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1854
This antique hand-colored lithograph, published in 1854 in Album des Voyages Anciens et Modernes by Martial Ardant Frères, depicts a Russian woman in traditional costume. The figure stands front-facing, her attire characterized by rich fabrics and layered garments that reflect both elegance and cultural identity.
She wears a long pale blue dress tied with a wide golden sash, the ends of which are embroidered with a heraldic motif. Over her shoulders is a deep blue cloak trimmed with fur, adding weight and dignity to her appearance. A soft pink veil drapes over her head, falling across her shoulders, while a white wimple or scarf frames her face, emphasizing modesty. Red shoes peeking from beneath the hem add a final touch of color and liveliness to the composition.
In the 19th century, traditional Russian dress fascinated Western European readers, who saw it as a blend of Eastern and European influences. Costumes such as this symbolized both regional diversity within the Russian Empire and the richness of its traditions. For French publishers, including Martial Ardant Frères, such depictions allowed audiences to imagine distant cultures while enjoying finely executed lithographic art.
This costume print illustrates the blend of practicality and pageantry typical of ceremonial or festive Russian dress. The fur-trimmed cloak suggests the cold climate, while the bright sash and veil emphasize color and ornamentation. For collectors today, the plate is both a decorative artwork and a historical record of how Russian attire was represented to European audiences in the mid-19th century. Its vivid coloring and refined details make it an attractive addition to collections of costume history, ethnography, or 19th-century lithography.
Condition report: Light foxing in the margins with mild toning. Image area bright and clean with vivid hand-applied colors. Plate mark visible. Paper stable with wide margins.
Framing tips: A gilt frame with a cream mat will emphasize the richness of the cloak and sash, while a dark wood frame with a soft blue mat will harmonize with the pale dress, bringing balance to the display.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Martial Ardant Frères, Paris & Limoges, 1854
