Professions & Trades · 19th century
€ 95
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Fair condition. Margins toned with scattered foxing spots, edges slightly worn, vibrant original hand-colouring preserved, no major tears or losses.
1810 Hand-Coloured Engraving - Tatar Peasants of the Crimean Peninsula
This 1810 hand-coloured copperplate engraving from Carl Bertuch's "Bilderbuch für Kinder" ("Picture Book for Children") presents a lively scene of Tatar peasants in the Crimean Peninsula (modern-day Ukraine). The engraving captures rural daily life in vivid detail, depicting various activities that reflect the agricultural lifestyle of the region.
In the foreground, a peasant, smoking a pipe, points while instructing a child, creating an engaging snapshot of a family scene. Nearby, a woman, dressed in traditional clothing, is shown milking a dairy cow, demonstrating the importance of livestock to the community's economy. To the left, a farmer leads two Bactrian camels pulling a hay wagon, showcasing the use of these hardy animals for heavy labor and transportation in the region.
The background features thatched-roof homes, with a minaret rising above them, symbolizing the cultural influence of Islam in the region. The peaceful pastoral setting, with cows grazing and a well in the foreground, further emphasizes the agricultural way of life. The detailed hand-colouring adds vibrancy to the scene, highlighting the distinct attire and activities of the Crimean Tatar community.
This engraving was drawn by Christian Gottfried Heinrich Geissler for the ethnographic work of Peter Simon Pallas, who documented the peoples and cultures of the Russian Empire. The scene captures the rich traditions and the everyday lives of the Tatar people during the early 19th century, providing valuable insight into their customs and lifestyle.
Carl Bertuch’s "Bilderbuch für Kinder," published between 1790 and 1830, was an ambitious 12-volume encyclopedia featuring nearly 1,200 engraved plates covering a wide range of subjects. This collection aimed to educate children by presenting them with diverse topics, including natural history, mythology, and the cultures of people from around the world.
Condition report: Margins toned with scattered foxing spots, edges slightly worn, vibrant original hand-colouring preserved, no major tears or losses.
