Youthful Extravagance: A Member of the Venetian Calza, 1847
€ 160
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1847
Sheet size
27 × 18 cm (10.6 × 7.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13635-10
Condition
Good. Overal very light toning and light soiling but the image itself clean and hand-colored almost 200 years ago and still in expliciet colors. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue, mostly around the edges. Study the image carefully.
About this sheet
This original antique print depicts a person labeled as "Jeune Vénitien de la Calza," which translates to "Young Venetian of the Calza." The Calza was a Renaissance cultural association in Venice, known for its members' stylish and often extravagant clothing.
The young Venetian is dressed in a very fashion-forward and vibrant manner, indicative of the wealth and love for opulent attire that was characteristic of Venice during the Renaissance. He wears a green doublet with slashed sleeves—a popular style at the time, which allowed the fabric of the shirt beneath to show through. The red hose are embellished with a decorative pattern down the side, and one leg is covered with striped hose, which adds to the flamboyant style.
On his head, he wears a blue cap with a yellow brim, possibly a beret, which was a common headpiece in Renaissance Europe. His pose suggests movement or gesticulation, common in portraits meant to convey liveliness and character.
Given the historical context and the association with the Calza, a fitting title for this print might is "Youthful Extravagance: A Member of the Venetian Calza." This title reflects both the age of the subject and the distinctive cultural context of the attire.
Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image.
Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces.
In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.
