One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1854
Sheet size
26.3 × 17 cm (10.4 × 6.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14288-11 & BG-14288-12
Condition
Condition is good antique, with age-appropriate toning, occasional light spotting, and minor edge wear. The sheets retain wide margins, enhancing their presentation and framing potential.
A striking pair of hand-colored ethnographic costume prints depicting figures from Annam (present-day Vietnam), offering a vivid glimpse into 19th-century visual interpretations of Southeast Asian life and military attire. These prints present two contrasting yet complementary scenes: one showing a landman alongside a militia soldier, and the other portraying a soldier of the standing Annamese army.
The first composition captures a moment of quiet interaction between two men—one dressed in simple attire with a shield and spear, the other more elaborately clothed, carrying a parasol and weapons. The contrast in dress and posture subtly reflects distinctions in social role and function. The second print presents a more formalized military figure, confidently posed with a firearm, dressed in a brightly colored uniform with decorative headgear, suggesting the influence of both local traditions and foreign military aesthetics.
Executed in fine line engraving and finished with delicate hand coloring, these prints likely originate from a 19th-century European publication documenting world costumes and cultures, possibly intended for educational or encyclopedic purposes. The careful attention to textile patterns, weaponry, and posture underscores the period fascination with ethnographic detail and global diversity.
Visually, the pair works exceptionally well together—one narrative and informal, the other structured and authoritative—making them ideal for display as a set. Their warm aged paper tone and vibrant yet softened coloring lend themselves beautifully to interior settings ranging from classic studies to more eclectic or travel-inspired spaces.
Condition is good antique, with age-appropriate toning, occasional light spotting, and minor edge wear. The sheets retain wide margins, enhancing their presentation and framing potential.
For framing, a dark wood or ebonized frame paired with a wide off-white or ivory mat will elevate the colors while maintaining a refined, museum-style presentation.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: Dutch School, 19th century
