Peasant Woman from the Environs of Madrid – Hand-Colored Lithograph, c.1845

About this sheet

Peasant Woman from the Environs of Madrid – Hand-Colored Lithograph, c.1845

An elegant 19th-century hand-colored lithograph titled Paysanne des Environs de Madrid (Peasant Woman from the Environs of Madrid), plate no. 10 from the Espagne & Portugal series, published in Paris circa 1845 as part of the renowned Musée de Costumes collection. Drawn by Valentin and engraved by Lallemand, this fine print was issued by Ancienne Maison Aubert, Rue Bergère, Paris, and printed by Moine.

The composition depicts a young woman from the rural outskirts of Madrid, standing gracefully with her back turned slightly toward the viewer, emphasizing the poise and refinement typical of Spanish regional costume. Her attire features a voluminous red skirt, finely pleated and reaching mid-calf, paired with a fitted embroidered bodice over a delicate white blouse with lace-trimmed sleeves. Her hair is arranged in a long braid adorned with ribbons and a lace mantilla tied with a bow — a detail evoking both elegance and tradition. The understated setting allows the vibrant costume and the woman’s confident posture to dominate the composition, creating a perfect balance between simplicity and charm.

This lithograph belongs to the celebrated Musée de Costumes series, which aimed to document and illustrate traditional European and regional attire during the Romantic era. Each plate was executed with remarkable precision, combining the artistry of fine engraving with the skill of hand-coloring to bring these historical costumes to life. The Espagne & Portugal section of the series captures the rich cultural diversity of the Iberian Peninsula — from Andalusian smugglers to Madrid peasants and Portuguese villagers — serving both as an ethnographic record and a work of art.

Such prints were highly appreciated among 19th-century collectors and travelers fascinated by the picturesque customs and costumes of Southern Europe. They represent a timeless fascination with cultural identity, craftsmanship, and national dress.

Condition report:
Excellent impression with strong, original hand-coloring. Slight age toning near the upper margin and minimal foxing, not affecting the image. Wide margins on fine wove paper, plate perfectly centered.

Framing tips:
Ideal for display with a soft off-white or pale cream mat and a narrow gilt or dark mahogany frame. The vivid red skirt and refined lace details will contrast beautifully under warm-toned lighting, especially when paired with other Spanish costume prints from the same series.