French Woman Print Nîmes Region 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
€ 210
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1853
Sheet size
23.5 × 33 cm (9.3 × 13.0 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13329-8
Condition
Condition summary: good overall with some scattered foxing throughout the sheet, mostly in the margins, and light age toning typical of mid-19th century prints. The image remains clean and brightly colored.
About this sheet
French Woman Print Nîmes Region 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This elegant antique print depicts a woman from the environs of Nîmes in southern France. Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie as part of the renowned Le Keepsake de Costumes series, a luxurious publication illustrating traditional costumes from across Europe and beyond.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a prominent French painter and lithographer known for his romantic, historical, and genre scenes, especially costume studies that combined refined artistry with ethnographic accuracy.
This hand-colored lithograph, part of the Musée Cosmopolite collection, portrays the woman standing gracefully, holding a large wicker basket filled with greenery. She is dressed in a checked blue skirt with a pale pink apron, a brown bodice, and a plaid shawl draped over her shoulders. Her distinctive regional headwear is a dark red cap with a white lining and a decorative bow, framing her face elegantly. In the background is a faint depiction of the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct, evoking the historic landscape of Nîmes and situating her in her regional setting.
The lithographic technique used here involved drawing directly onto a limestone plate, allowing for fine detail, after which the print was hand-colored with water-based pigments to create vivid and natural hues.
Condition summary: good overall with some scattered foxing throughout the sheet, mostly in the margins, and light age toning typical of mid-19th century prints. The image remains clean and brightly colored.
Framing tips: this print will be beautifully presented in a light wood or gold frame to complement the warm and soft tones of the costume. A cream or light grey mat will highlight the delicate hand coloring while keeping the focus on the artwork. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and prevent further toning.
Ideal for collectors of French regional costumes, ethnographic art, or 19th-century lithography, this lithograph is also a beautiful decorative choice for kitchens, dining areas, libraries, or country-style interiors, bringing an authentic touch of French rural heritage and timeless elegance to any setting.
