Frontispieces
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition with some foxing and discoloration in the margins, especially in the upper and lower areas. Colors remain bright and the printed area is fully legible and intact.
Title Sheet of Udvalgte Norske Nationaldragter – Norway, 19th Century
Decorative Frontispiece – Norwegian Regional Dress by Chr. Tønsberg
This richly decorative title page belongs to the folio Udvalgte Norske Nationaldragter (Selected Norwegian National Costumes), published by Chr. Tønsberg in Christiania (now Oslo) in the 1860s. The project was a key cultural undertaking during the height of Norway’s national romantic period, aiming to document and celebrate the diverse regional and indigenous dress of the country.
The design features Norway’s coat of arms at the top, framed by birch branches and surrounded by six round vignettes depicting Norwegian landscapes, heraldic symbols, and architectural motifs. The elaborate typographic center highlights the title, along with publication details: *Udgivet af Chr. Tønsberg, Christiania, Paa Udgiverens Forlag. Trykt af Winckelmann & Sønner*. This lithographic title page, printed in Berlin, accompanied the famous series of costume plates drawn by Norwegian artists such as Johan Fredrik Eckersberg and reproduced in high-quality chromolithography.
The title page includes six round vignettes, three of which clearly represent specific cities:
1. Christiania (now Oslo)
Shown at the bottom center. Depicts Akershus Fortress and a ship, referencing the capital where the book was published.
2. Bergen
Shown at the bottom left. Features a beehive, which is part of Bergen’s historical city seal, symbolizing trade and industriousness.
3. Likely Trondheim (formerly Nidaros)
Shown at the bottom right. Depicts an interior church scene, possibly referencing Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim.
Other elements:
– The upper center features Norway’s coat of arms, a crowned lion with an axe.
– The upper left shows a saint or allegorical figure.
– The upper right shows a lion under a pine tree, possibly symbolic of a region rather than a city.
The three cities clearly referenced are Christiania, Bergen, and Trondheim.
The ornamental character of this page reflects both the prestige of the folio and the importance placed on national heritage and visual documentation in 19th-century Norway. This frontispiece is an essential part of the full set and is of interest to collectors of historical costume prints, Norwegian art, and national romanticism.
Condition:
Good condition with some foxing and discoloration in the margins, especially in the upper and lower areas. Colors remain bright and the printed area is fully legible and intact.
Framing tips:
Frame with a wide archival mount to reduce visual impact of foxing. A natural wood or black frame works well for contrast. Ideal as an introductory piece in a full set display or Norwegian heritage collection.
