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Costume Print: Women and Children in Pisa, 1820s Hand-Colored Engraving
£145
$190 · €170
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- Not stated
- Sheet size
- 9.4 × 12.4 in (24 × 31.6 cm)
- Condition
- Good. This antique print is in very good condition, with some light foxing and age-related toning that adds to its period character. The colors are still bright and the paper retains a satisfying texture and thickness.
- Wardrobe
- Folk finery
- Stock no.
- f_45295872
Title:
Costume Print: Women and Children in Pisa, 1820s Hand-Colored Engraving
Description:
This engaging hand-colored engraving depicts women and children dressed in the traditional costume of Pisa, Italy, during the early 19th century. The scene unfolds outside a building, with a window and a wall plaque that hints at the local culture of charity and almsgiving. Published by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy in the 1820s, this print forms part of a larger ethnographic series that documented regional dress and daily life across Italy.
In the foreground, a seated mother in a vibrant yellow and orange outfit cradles a baby swaddled in blue, while her older child sits on the steps, absorbed in thought. Another woman, standing and carrying a basket of greens, wears a striking purple skirt with a green bodice and a patterned headscarf. Both women’s scarves are adorned with colorful designs, and their outfits are depicted with an attention to detail that underscores the richness and individuality of traditional Italian dress.
The window behind them, with its wooden shutters and pink fabric peeking through the glass, adds a domestic element to the scene. The plaque on the wall, inscribed with “Limosine per i poveri trovate” (Alms for the found poor), speaks to the historical practice of offering charity and support to those in need, an element of daily life in many Italian cities.
Such prints were highly valued as visual records for travelers and collectors, offering a glimpse into the customs and attire of Italy’s varied regions. The hand-coloring, executed with care and precision, enhances the emotional warmth of this intimate scene and brings a touch of life to the engraving’s delicate lines.
Condition:
This antique print is in very good condition, with some light foxing and age-related toning that adds to its period character. The colors are still bright and the paper retains a satisfying texture and thickness.
Framing tips:
For an elegant and complementary display, choose a soft cream or beige mat and a warm-toned wooden or antique gold frame. This will highlight the earthy tones and delicate lines of the engraving, creating a timeless piece of art that celebrates historical Italian life.
