French Coastal Life – Fisherwomen of Boulogne, Hand-Colored Print 1835
€ 140
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1835
Sheet size
24 × 31.6 cm (9.4 × 12.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13605-2-4
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
Good condition overall with slight age-related toning and a few faint spots. The hand-coloring remains bright and engaging, enhancing the print’s historical value.
About this sheet
French Coastal Life – Fisherwomen of Boulogne, Hand-Colored Print 1835
Detailed Description: This captivating hand-colored print from 1835 illustrates a lively and charming scene of coastal life in Boulogne, France. The image shows a group of fisherwomen engaged in conversation near the seashore, accompanied by baskets of their catch and a strikingly large fish. This depiction is part of the celebrated volume "Illustrations of the Manners and Costumes of France, Switzerland and Italy" by R. Bridgens, published by J. Dowding in London. Bridgens’ work is admired for its vivid portrayal of 19th-century life, with an emphasis on the social customs, costumes, and everyday occupations of these vibrant communities.
The central group of women are depicted in regional dress, including boldly patterned headscarves, aprons, and skirts in rich hand-colored hues. Their attire reveals the working lives of these fisherwomen, whose hard labor at the seafront was a vital part of coastal economies. One figure, her back turned, carries a large basket over her shoulder, suggesting the weight of her daily toil. Another woman bends to lift a fish basket, her expression lively and engaged in conversation. In the background, the presence of a sailboat underscores the maritime setting and the intimate connection between the sea and the daily rhythms of the town.
The attention to detail and the delicate hand-coloring typical of Bridgens’ illustrations lend this print both historical authenticity and a painterly charm. The scene offers a delightful window into the past, capturing the social life and commerce of Boulogne’s coastal communities. As a whole, this print exemplifies the fascination of early 19th-century artists with regional costume and the human stories that underpinned these vibrant scenes.
Condition Summary: Good condition overall with slight age-related toning and a few faint spots. The hand-coloring remains bright and engaging, enhancing the print’s historical value.
Framing Tips: A simple light oak or natural wood frame, paired with an ivory or cream mount, will complement the earthy tones and bright accents of the hand-colored details.
