1835 Hand-Colored Lithograph: The Crusaders’ Departure for the Holy Land
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1835
Sheet size
43.5 × 32 cm (17.1 × 12.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12445-27
Condition
The print is in good condition with some age-related wear. There are visible age spots and slight discoloration, particularly around the margins. Despite this, the hand-colored areas remain vivid, and paper is intact without any significant tears.
About this sheet
Description of the Print
This print, titled "De Kruisvaarders" (The Crusaders), depicts a historical scene likely representing the departure of a crusader for the Holy Land. The composition features a central figure on horseback, clad in armor and a red cloak, speaking with a monk or priest who is offering a blessing or guidance. The setting includes a small chapel or church with gothic architectural elements, surrounded by lush greenery, and another figure can be seen entering the chapel in the background. The overall atmosphere of the print is one of solemnity and devotion, reflecting the gravity of the crusader’s mission.
Artist: - C. Eckbrecht: The artist responsible for the original drawing or painting. Eckbrecht was known for his historical and religious themes, often depicting moments of significant emotional and spiritual impact.
Publisher: - Soetens & Fils: The publisher of this print, a prominent lithography studio in the 19th century, known for producing high-quality prints.
Lithographer: - N.J.B. Jolly: The lithographer who executed the print, translating Eckbrecht’s artwork into a lithograph with detailed precision and careful attention to color.
Date of Publication: - 1835: The print was created in 1835, during a time when there was considerable interest in romanticized depictions of medieval history, particularly the Crusades, which were often idealized in 19th-century art and literature.
What Makes This Print Interesting: This print is particularly interesting due to its historical and religious subject matter, capturing a moment of departure filled with both spiritual significance and a sense of impending adventure or danger. The detailed depiction of the crusader and the monk, combined with the serene and somewhat melancholic setting, evokes the emotions associated with embarking on a perilous journey in the name of faith. The gothic architecture of the chapel and the natural surroundings add to the print's overall mood, making it a striking representation of the medieval crusades from a 19th-century perspective.
Condition: The print is in fair condition with visible age-related wear, including minor spots of discoloration and some fading around the edges. The hand-colored areas are still fairly vibrant, though there may be slight fading in the less prominent sections. The paper remains intact, with no major tears or creases, ensuring that the image is well-preserved and the details remain clear.
