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Habit of a Woman of Fez in Africa, Elegant Costume Engraving, 1749
£280
$370 · €330
Original print, not a reproduction.
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- Date
- 1749
- Sheet size
- 12.6 × 9.8 in (32.1 × 24.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good condition with age-related toning and light spotting as visible. Clear platemark present. Margins intact with minor wear and slight irregularities along the edges consistent with age.
- Wardrobe
- Far & away
- Era
- 1700s, Rococo
- Stock no.
- f_49949682
Habit of a Woman of Fez in Africa, Elegant Costume Engraving, 1749
Description:
A refined and visually engaging costume engraving titled “Habit of a Woman of Fez, in Africa,” depicting a standing female figure dressed in richly layered attire associated with the historic Moroccan city of Fez. The composition presents a dignified figure adorned in a fitted green bodice with voluminous sleeves, a patterned overskirt, and distinctive striped lower garments, complemented by delicate footwear and a modest headdress with decorative banding.
Fez, one of the great cultural and intellectual centers of North Africa, was long regarded in European imagination as a place of refinement, craftsmanship, and tradition. This engraving forms part of the broader European tradition of ethnographic costume studies, produced in the 18th century to document and interpret global dress and identity. Such works offered Western audiences insight, both real and imagined, into the appearance and customs of distant cultures.
The engraving is finely executed, with delicate line work capturing the textures of the fabrics and the structure of the garments, while the original hand-coloring brings warmth and visual richness to the composition. The combination of soft tones and intricate detailing makes the piece particularly attractive as both a historical document and a decorative artwork.
The figure’s poised stance and expressive gesture lend a sense of personality and presence, making this print highly suitable for display either as a standalone piece or within a curated collection of ethnographic or Ottoman-world costume engravings. It pairs especially well with related North African and Middle Eastern subjects, allowing for a cohesive and culturally rich wall arrangement.
Special note: This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The print is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Condition:
Good condition with age-related toning and light spotting as visible. Clear platemark present. Margins intact with minor wear and slight irregularities along the edges consistent with age.
Framing tips:
Highly suitable for a dark walnut or ebonized frame with a wide ivory mat to enhance the warm tone of the paper and the subtle hand-coloring. For a more decorative or North African-inspired interior, a softly gilded frame can elevate the richness and visual impact of the composition.
Keywords:
Fez, Morocco, North Africa, African costume, ethnographic print, traditional dress, Ottoman world, Barbary, cultural dress, historical costume, hand colored engraving, antique print, travel illustration, global cultures, Bartele Gallery, decorative wall art, collectible print, Islamic world
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand-coloring
Maker: European School, circa 1750
