Military & Political · 19th century
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Good antique condition with gentle age toning. Minor edge wear and faint spots in the margins. Image area clean with bold, even hand-coloring. No tears or losses.
Antique Crusading Knights Plate, Hand-Colored Medieval Print c.1880
This dramatic antique costume plate presents an evocative depiction of Crusading knights, vividly capturing the martial spirit, heraldic symbolism, and military equipment used during the medieval crusades. Produced in the late 19th century for a respected historical costume atlas and hand-colored with striking contrasts of red, white, and black, the print offers both scholarly value and strong decorative impact.
The upper register features two mounted knights approaching a fortified shoreline. The leading rider carries a red shield and banner marked with a cross, while the knight behind him is richly equipped with full armor, a helmet crest, and a flowing mantle decorated with heraldic lions. Their horses are shown in elegant movement, and the architectural backdrop—complete with towers and port walls—invokes the Mediterranean landscapes associated with crusader campaigns.
The lower register presents five standing figures, including fully armored knights holding long shields, a figure in Eastern attire—possibly representing an adversary or local guide—and a standard-bearer with a tall spear and simple white shield. Each figure’s armor, helmet form, and shield design reflect the diverse equipment used during the 11th–13th centuries, from early chainmail suits to heavier surcoats and conical helmets. The plate’s restrained palette emphasizes form and linework, giving it a clarity that appeals to collectors of militaria, medieval history, or antique illustration.
This print is particularly suited for interiors with classical, medieval, or academic themes. Its combination of mounted and standing knights, heraldic motifs, and architectural scenery offers a visually rich and historically resonant composition.
Condition report: Good antique condition with gentle age toning. Minor edge wear and faint spots in the margins. Image area clean with bold, even hand-coloring. No tears or losses.
Framing tips: A parchment or soft cream mat enhances the warm tones and red accents. A walnut or dark oak frame offers a strong medieval aesthetic, while a thin antique-gold frame adds a refined, museum-style presentation. Floating the sheet preserves the imprint and enhances visual presence.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Max Tilke, printed by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1880
