Danzig Merchant Costume Engraving, Polish Trade Figure, Hand-Colored, 1749

Danzig Merchant Costume Engraving, Polish Trade Figure, Hand-Colored 1749

This refined mid-18th century hand-colored costume engraving depicts a merchant from Danzig, the historic Baltic port city now known as Gdańsk in Poland. Titled “Habit of a Merchant of Dantzic,” the figure is shown dressed in richly colored commercial attire, including a fur-trimmed overgarment, striped tunic, fitted hose, and sword, reflecting the prosperous mercantile culture of one of the most important trading cities in Northern Europe during the early modern period.

Produced around 1749 by the European School, the engraving belongs to a celebrated tradition of European costume studies that documented the clothing, customs, and social identities of various nations and professions. Such works were collected throughout the 18th century for their ethnographic interest, decorative elegance, and educational value. The original hand-coloring remains particularly attractive here, with delicate tones of lavender, blue, rose, and ochre lending the figure both charm and sophistication.

Danzig occupied a unique position within the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth and the Hanseatic trading world, serving as a major center for grain exports, Baltic commerce, and international cultural exchange. The merchant’s richly appointed clothing reflects the prosperity associated with the city’s influential merchant class. Details such as the fur-lined mantle, decorative sash, and gentlemanly sword emphasize both wealth and status, while the restrained composition gives the print an elegant and highly modern appearance.

The large margins surrounding the centrally placed figure create a striking sense of balance and refinement, making the engraving especially suitable for museum-style framing. It works beautifully either as a standalone decorative print or grouped with related Polish and Eastern European costume engravings from the same series.

Condition: Good condition overall with age-related toning, minor scattered spotting, and slight edge wear consistent with age. Wide margins preserved. Original hand-coloring remains fresh and attractive.

Framing tips: Particularly effective in a dark walnut, ebonized, or muted gilt frame with a wide ivory mat. The soft coloration and elegant proportions suit both traditional interiors and more modern gallery-style presentations.

Note: This print is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.

Technique: Copper engraving with original hand-coloring

Maker: European School, circa 1749