Military & Political · 19th century
€ 250
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Minor wear and creasing, blank verso. Please study image carefully.
Original antique print of the landing of French troops on Timor island. This print originates from 'Costume Antico e Moderno: Palestine, China, India, Oceania' by Ferrario. Published 1831.
The print is from Ferrario's "Costume Antico e Moderno" (translated as "Ancient and Modern Costumes"), a multi-volume work published in the early 19th century. The print titled "Landing of French Troops on Timor Island* is one of the many detailed illustrations included in this monumental series, which aimed to document the costumes, customs, and historical events of various cultures around the world, including regions like **Palestine, China, India, and Oceania**.
About the Print:
This specific print depicts a significant historical event, showing French troops landing on Timor, an island in Southeast Asia. The French presence on Timor was part of broader colonial and trading expeditions during the 18th and 19th centuries, as European powers vied for control and influence in Southeast Asia.
Ferrario’s Work:
Ferrario’s *"Costume Antico e Moderno"* was published in multiple volumes between 1815 and 1834, with the print likely dating from the 1831 edition. The work is celebrated for its beautifully engraved and hand-colored illustrations that accompany descriptions of different peoples and cultures around the world, from antiquity to modern times. Ferrario’s intention was to provide a comprehensive visual and textual record of global costumes, customs, and historical events.
Artistic Style:
The print features the fine engraving techniques typical of the period, with attention to the clothing, military uniforms, and landscapes that reflect both the local environment of Timor and the European perspective on colonial encounters. Ferrario's illustrations are known for their romanticized and sometimes idealized depictions of cultural subjects, which were aimed at a European audience interested in exotic and far-flung parts of the world.
Historical Significance:
Timor has a long history of European contact, first with the Portuguese and later with the Dutch and French. The landing of French troops may refer to a particular military or exploratory expedition, though specific details on French military action on Timor are less well-documented compared to other European powers.
This print reflects the broader European interest in documenting, categorizing, and often romanticizing the cultures and places they encountered during this era of exploration and colonization.
