Swiss Guard Costume, Antique Hand-Colored Lithograph by Bonnard, 1845
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1845
Sheet size
30.3 × 22.3 cm (11.9 × 8.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14024-2-10
Condition
Overall fair to good condition. General age-related toning and spotting to the sheet, with visible discoloration and scattered foxing, particularly in the margins. Image remains clear and attractive.
About this sheet
This striking mid-19th-century costume print depicts a Swiss Guard figure shown in profile, captured in a lively, almost theatrical stance with the arm extended in gesture. Produced in 1845 by Bonnard, the image belongs to the rich tradition of European costume illustration that flourished in the first half of the 19th century, combining documentary intent with decorative appeal.
The figure is rendered with great attention to dress and ornament: a tall cap, fur-trimmed tunic, fitted trousers, and carefully detailed accessories, including a decorated pouch at the waist. The vivid hand coloring—reds, blues, yellows, and soft neutrals—creates a strong visual contrast against the largely blank background, giving the figure a sculptural presence and making the print especially suitable for interior display.
Bonnard’s costume prints were intended both as visual records and as elegant works of art. By isolating the figure on an open ground, the focus remains entirely on posture, fabric, and color, a format that continues to appeal to modern collectors and interior designers alike. This print works equally well as a standalone wall piece or as part of a curated group of historical costume or military-themed engravings.
The sheet dates from 1845 and is an original period print, not a later reproduction. Its refined linework, combined with hand-applied color, reflects the transitional period between engraving traditions and the growing popularity of lithography in 19th-century Europe.
Condition report: Overall fair to good condition. General age-related toning and spotting to the sheet, with visible discoloration and scattered foxing, particularly in the margins. Image remains clear and attractive.
Framing tips: This print benefits from a generous mat to visually separate the image from the aged paper tone. An off-white or warm ivory mat paired with a simple dark wood or black frame will enhance the colors and give the piece a refined, gallery-style presentation.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Bonnard, France, 1845
