Tyrolean Shepherdess – Jenbach Austria, Compte-Calix Hand-Colored 1853

About this sheet

Tyrolean Shepherdess Print Jenbach Austria 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph

This delicate antique print depicts a shepherdess (Bergère) from Jenbach in Tyrol, Austria. Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie as part of the luxurious Le Keepsake de Costumes series, which presented traditional costumes from Europe and beyond in refined artistic detail.

François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a prominent French painter and lithographer known for his romantic, historical, and genre scenes, as well as his precise costume studies that combined ethnographic accuracy with elegant artistry.

This hand-colored lithograph, from the Musée Cosmopolite collection, shows the young Tyrolean shepherdess standing gracefully with her hands clasped before her. She wears a dark pleated skirt with a yellow underlayer, a fitted black bodice over a golden-yellow blouse, and a red shawl draped around her shoulders. Her simple brown cap frames her youthful face, and she wears black shoes with white socks. The background is left minimal to emphasize her refined pose and costume details, while lithographic shading and soft hand coloring bring out the textures of her garments and the serene dignity of her stance.

Lithography, the printing technique used here, involved drawing directly onto a limestone plate before inking and pressing onto paper, producing fine and crisp lines. The prints were then hand-colored with water-based pigments, adding natural and lifelike tones to the illustration.

Condition summary: good overall condition with scattered foxing mainly in the margins, mild age toning typical of mid-19th century paper, and a minor water stain along the right edge, not affecting the central image.

Framing tips: this print will be best presented in a rustic wood, walnut, or dark brown frame to harmonize with the earthy tones of the costume. A cream or warm beige mat will enhance the delicacy of the hand coloring and provide subtle contrast to the aged paper. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colors and prevent further toning.

This lithograph is ideal for collectors of Austrian regional costumes, Tyrolean heritage, and 19th-century lithography, as well as for interior decorators seeking authentic rustic European charm. It also makes a lovely decorative accent for studies, libraries, hallways, or Alpine-themed interiors, bringing timeless elegance and cultural depth to any space.