About this sheet
French Peasant Woman Print Neuviller Bar Rhin 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This beautiful antique print depicts a peasant woman (Paysanne) from the surroundings of Neuviller in the Bas-Rhin region of France. Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie in Paris as part of the prestigious Le Keepsake de Costumes series, which showcased traditional attire from various cultures and regions.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a prominent French painter and lithographer renowned for his romantic and historical subjects, costume studies, and genre scenes. His works captured regional costumes with an attention to authenticity and decorative refinement, providing both an artistic representation and an ethnographic record.
This hand-colored lithograph, part of the Musée Cosmopolite collection, shows the young peasant woman standing gracefully, carrying a large basket on her back. She is dressed in a vibrant traditional outfit featuring a black bodice embroidered with floral motifs, a white blouse with pink bows, a bright red skirt with blue edging, and a white apron. A black scarf with floral patterns covers her hair, and she wears black shoes with white stockings. The scene evokes the rural charm and dignity of 19th-century French village life, with a village church tower and trees in the background rendered delicately in the lithographic technique.
Lithography, invented in the late 18th century, was a printing process where an image was drawn on stone and then printed, allowing for detailed line work. This print was enhanced with hand coloring, adding depth, realism, and decorative beauty.
Condition summary: good overall, with age-consistent foxing scattered across the sheet, especially in the margins, and light toning typical of mid-19th century paper. The image remains bright and detailed.
Framing tips: this charming print will be beautifully presented in a light wood or gold frame to match its warm tones. A cream or light gray mat will bring out the brightness of her clothing while maintaining a neutral balance with the aged paper. Use museum-quality UV-protective glass to preserve the colors and prevent further fading or toning.
This lithograph is ideal for collectors of French regional costumes, 19th-century lithography, and ethnographic studies. It is also a delightful decorative piece, bringing timeless pastoral beauty to kitchens, libraries, hallways, or country-style interiors, adding an authentic touch of French rural heritage to any collection or decor.
