The Antiquaries Hand-Colored Lithograph, Satirical Caricature, c.1823
€ 780
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1823
Mapmaker / artist
Louis-Léopold Boilly, France, published London c.1823–28
Technique
Lithograph with contemporary hand-coloring
Sheet size
37 × 35.5 cm (14.6 × 14.0 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14155-3
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Some light staining and age toning visible, consistent with early 19th-century lithographs. Image remains strong.
About this sheet
The Antiquaries – Boilly Satire on Collectors, Hand-Colored, c.1823 The Antiquaries is one of Boilly’s most enduringly popular compositions, portraying a group of elderly collectors examining small objects with exaggerated seriousness and delight. The scene gently mocks obsession, connoisseurship, and scholarly pride—subjects that resonate strongly with modern collectors.
Each figure is rendered with remarkable individuality, from squinting eyes and pursed lips to eager gestures clutching magnifying glasses. The composition reflects Boilly’s mastery of group portraiture and his keen understanding of human behavior.
This English lithograph from Humorous Designs is a classic interior piece, often chosen by collectors, curators, and decorators alike for its wit and timeless relevance.
Condition report: Some light staining and age toning visible, consistent with early 19th-century lithographs. Image remains strong.
Framing tips: An antique gold or dark brown frame with a parchment-toned mat enhances the warmth of the hand coloring.
