About this sheet
Swiss Girl Print Brienz Canton of Bern 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This beautiful antique print depicts a young girl from Brienz in the Canton of Bern, Switzerland (Jeune Fille de Brienz). Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie as part of Le Keepsake de Costumes, a prestigious series depicting traditional costumes from Europe and beyond.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a respected French painter and lithographer, celebrated for his romantic and historical subjects, as well as his detailed ethnographic costume studies. His works combine artistic refinement with documentary accuracy, capturing the clothing, character, and dignity of regional peoples.
This hand-colored lithograph, part of the Musée Cosmopolite collection, portrays the girl standing with a relaxed pose, her left hand on her hip and her right hand holding a wooden bucket. She wears a wide-brimmed straw hat adorned with a blue ribbon, a red scarf tied at her neck, a pale blouse with puffed sleeves, a blue corset bodice, a brown apron over a red skirt, blue stockings, and dark shoes. Behind her are wooden logs, evoking her rural working environment in the Alpine region. The lithographic detail and delicate hand coloring bring out the textures of cloth and wood, adding vivid realism to this depiction.
Lithography was a printing technique that involved drawing directly onto limestone, which was then inked and pressed onto paper to produce fine lines and details. Each print in this edition was later hand-colored with water-based pigments, giving it a rich and natural palette.
Condition summary: good overall, with scattered foxing throughout the sheet, a visible water stain along the lower right margin, and mild age toning typical of mid-19th century prints. The image itself remains bright and attractive.
Framing tips: this print will be best presented in a light wood, oak, or rustic walnut frame to match the natural tones of the costume and background. A cream or warm beige mat will enhance the delicate hand coloring and provide a soft contrast with the aged paper. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and paper integrity.
This lithograph is ideal for collectors of Swiss regional costumes, Alpine history, ethnographic art, or 19th-century lithographs. It is also an attractive decorative piece for kitchens, living rooms, hallways, or traditional interiors, bringing authentic Swiss heritage and timeless rustic charm to any setting.
