About this sheet
Sardinian Shepherdess Print Gallura Italy 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This graceful antique print depicts a Sardinian shepherdess (Pastora della Gallura) from the Gallura region in northern Sardinia, Italy. It was created by François Claudius Compte-Calix and published in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie in Paris as part of Le Keepsake de Costumes, a prestigious series illustrating traditional costumes from various cultures and regions worldwide.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a highly regarded French painter and lithographer known for his romantic, historical, and genre scenes, as well as his precise and decorative costume studies. His works provided both artistic beauty and ethnographic documentation, capturing regional attire with authenticity and elegant detailing.
This hand-colored lithograph, from the Musée Cosmopolite collection, portrays the shepherdess in a beautiful traditional costume. She wears a white headscarf, a blue-sleeved bodice with red trim and buttons, a green apron over a long dark pleated skirt, and pink stockings with black shoes. She holds a woven basket filled with flowers or herbs, standing in a rural landscape with distant shrubs and gentle hills, evoking the pastoral simplicity and timeless charm of Sardinian village life.
Lithography, the printing technique used here, involved drawing directly onto a stone plate, which was then inked and pressed onto paper. This method allowed fine detailing, which was then enhanced by meticulous hand coloring using water-based pigments, bringing depth and vividness to the image.
Condition summary: good condition for its age, with scattered foxing visible throughout the sheet and light age toning typical for mid-19th century prints. There is a slight water stain at the bottom right margin, not affecting the central image.
Framing tips: this print will look beautiful in a rustic wood or light walnut frame to reflect the pastoral theme, or in a simple gold frame for an elegant touch. Use a cream or light ivory mat to accentuate the delicate hand coloring and provide a soft contrast with the aged paper. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the colors and prevent further toning.
This Sardinian shepherdess lithograph is ideal for collectors of Italian regional costumes, ethnographic art, or antique lithographs. It also makes a charming decorative piece for kitchens, hallways, country-style interiors, or anywhere a touch of authentic European pastoral beauty and historical elegance is desired.
