About this sheet
Sardinian Butcher Print Cagliari Italy 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This impressive antique print depicts a butcher (Boucher) from Cagliari in Sardinia, Italy, in traditional regional costume. Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie as part of the prestigious Le Keepsake de Costumes series, which illustrated traditional attire from Europe and beyond in refined artistic detail.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a respected French painter and lithographer, known for his romantic, historical, and ethnographic works. His detailed costume studies combine elegant artistry with ethnographic accuracy, capturing regional identities with authenticity and dignity.
This hand-colored lithograph, part of the Musée Cosmopolite collection, depicts the Sardinian butcher standing confidently, hands resting on his waist and a knife hanging at his side. He wears a dark grey pleated skirt-like garment over leggings with red bands, a red shirt under a sleeveless dark grey vest with decorative edging, and a red cap. The background features rugged Sardinian cliffs and skies with flying birds, adding depth and regional atmosphere to the portrait. Lithographic lines and fine shading capture the textures of cloth and landscape, while delicate hand coloring adds natural warmth and vivid detail to the composition.
Lithography, used here, involved drawing directly onto limestone plates, then inking and pressing onto paper to achieve crisp lines and subtle tonal variation. Each print was subsequently hand-colored with water-based pigments, adding depth, vibrancy, and lifelike presence.
Condition summary: overall good condition, with scattered foxing mainly in the margins, light age toning typical for mid-19th century paper, and a minor water stain along the lower right margin, not affecting the central image.
Framing tips: this print will be beautifully presented in a rustic wood, dark walnut, or black frame to complement the strong masculine tones of the costume. A cream or warm beige mat will enhance the hand coloring while providing contrast to the aged paper. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colors and prevent further toning.
Ideal for collectors of Italian regional costumes, Sardinian heritage, and 19th-century lithography, this print is also an attractive decorative accent for studies, libraries, kitchens, restaurants, or cultural institutions, bringing authentic European historical character and timeless dignity into any refined setting.
