Setesdal Traditional Dress, Daily Wear from Norway, Antique Lithograph, c.1860

Norwegian Everyday Dress from Saetersdalen, Tonsberg Edition, 1860s

This detailed 19th-century chromolithograph presents a man and woman in everyday attire from Saetersdalen (modern Setesdal), a region in southern Norway known for preserving its rich folk traditions. The composition captures a quiet rural moment: a woman, dressed in warm layers and bright stockings, stands beside a man mounted on a horse, with the two appearing engaged in conversation on a country road. Behind them, the dramatic mountainous terrain of Setesdal rises into the sky.

The woman’s dress consists of a deep blue skirt with a red hem, blue stockings, black shoes, and a red headscarf tied above her brow. Draped over her shoulders is a large striped wool shawl, a practical yet visually striking element. She wears a clasped belt and appears to carry a small satchel. The man wears a tall black hat, a green vest with yellow trim over a dark jacket, and brown trousers tucked into boots. His posture and presence on horseback suggest he is traveling or returning from a task.

This is Plate 4 from the celebrated series Udvalgte Norske Nationaldragter, or Selected Norwegian National Costumes. It was published by Chr. Tonsberg in Christiania (Oslo) and printed in Berlin by Winckelmann and Sonner. The image is based on an original design by Johan Fredrik Eckersberg, a key artist of the national romantic period in Norway. The series documented regional Norwegian dress and was intended to preserve national identity through visual records of local customs and traditions.

Unlike the wedding attire in other plates plates froom this publication, this image focuses on the practicality and colorfulness of daily wear, making it a valuable cultural document and a charming decorative print.

Condition:

Very good condition with only minor age-related discoloration in the margins. Strong impression with vivid colors and clean edges.

Framing tips:

Frame with a mid-tone wood or matte black frame. Use a cream or light beige mount to complement the earthy tones of the clothing. Suitable for rustic or folk-inspired interiors.