Servant from Salamanca – Hand-Colored Engraving, c.1820
€ 240
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1820
Sheet size
35 × 26 cm (13.8 × 10.2 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14149-22
Condition
Excellent impression with strong, original coloring. Slight horizontal fold visible near the upper background and minor age toning in the margins, consistent with the print’s age. The sheet remains clean and bright overall.
About this sheet
Servant from Salamanca – Hand-Colored Engraving, c.1820
This vibrant hand-colored engraving, titled Servante de Salamanque (Servant from Salamanca), is plate No. 70 from the acclaimed French series Costumes de divers Pays, published in Paris around 1820. Drawn by Gaté and engraved by Gatine, it captures a woman from the historic city of Salamanca in western Spain, portrayed with elegance and dignity despite her humble station.
The young woman stands poised, her right arm bent and her left gently extended, dressed in a striking combination of warm and vivid colors. Her gown is composed of a brilliant yellow skirt and sleeves, contrasted by a crimson-pink apron and bodice, the latter neatly edged with pale blue and white trim. Her hair is gathered high in a simple knot, secured with a yellow ribbon, and she wears a single gold earring that subtly enhances her modest yet graceful appearance. The use of crisp outlines and delicate hatching demonstrates the mastery of early 19th-century French engraving, while the careful hand-coloring brings the costume to life with a sense of warmth and immediacy.
This image forms part of a popular genre of costume prints that flourished in post-Napoleonic France, reflecting a widespread fascination with regional and national attire. The *Costumes de divers Pays* series celebrated cultural diversity and the romantic allure of traditional dress from across Europe and beyond.
Condition report: Excellent impression with strong, original coloring. Slight horizontal fold visible near the upper background and minor age toning in the margins, consistent with the print’s age. The sheet remains clean and bright overall.
Framing tips: A light cream or ivory mat with a dark wood or gilt frame will complement the bold pink and yellow hues while maintaining historical character. Pairs beautifully with other Spanish regional costume engravings from the same series.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: Gaté del.; Gatine sculp.; published in Paris, c.1820
