Views of Europe · 19th century
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition. Clean sheet with some faint age toning and marginal foxing. Colors are rich and clear, especially in the central blue cloak. Wide margins preserved.
Traditional Headwear from Italy: Turin, Rome, Subiaco and More – 1823 Print
This hand-colored lithograph, marked “No. 3,” is the third plate from a striking early 19th-century series documenting traditional European costume, particularly regional headwear. Published in London on December 1, 1823, by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy, this print showcases six distinct styles worn by women across Italy, offering a comparative glimpse into local identity, ceremonial dress, and religious symbolism.
At the center top is a dramatic blue hooded garment labeled “Penitent.” Worn with the face obscured, this penitential garment features a small red cross emblem, likely representing affiliation with a religious brotherhood or spiritual order. It stands out starkly from the other portraits and introduces a solemn, sacred tone.
To its left, a view from behind shows a woman from “Settimo” wearing a stylized crown of hairpins radiating like a sunburst, secured by a horizontal golden bar. Below her elaborately embroidered collar, a red ribbon is neatly tied.
To the right, a woman from “Turin” wears an exquisite bonnet of pleated white lace, creating a fan-like halo above her head. Her large gold cross and decorative trim suggest formality and occasion.
Beneath Settimo, the woman from “Rome” is depicted in a deep violet bodice with ribboned back ties. Her hair is covered by a light veil, knotted at the back and draped gracefully.
At center bottom, a nun in prayer is portrayed in profile, her face partially veiled beneath a netted wimple over a green habit. She is the only figure shown with her hands visible, emphasizing the spiritual theme.
Finally, to the right, the figure from “Subiaco” is also shown from behind. Her square-cut white headcloth is simple but refined, and her garment features a festooned collar with red accents and a small blue bow.
This lithograph is not only a study of fashion, but also a subtle reflection of identity, piety, and regional culture in pre-unification Italy.
Condition Report:
Good condition. Clean sheet with some faint age toning and marginal foxing. Colors are rich and clear, especially in the central blue cloak. Wide margins preserved.
Framing Tips:
Choose a dark oak or black frame to emphasize the central blue and red tones. A warm off-white mat will balance the composition. Ideal for pairing with other plates in the series to form a striking costume-themed wall arrangement.
