Six Medieval Costumes Hand-Colored Lithographs, France, Circa 1860

Title: Six Medieval Civic, Religious & Military Costumes XIII–XV c., Bonnard 1860

Description:

This coherent set of six original hand-colored lithographs was published circa 1860 by Camille Bonnard and belongs to his authoritative historical costume series, issued under titles such as Costumes historiques de femmes du XIII, XIV et XV siècle and Il costume antico e moderno. Bonnard’s work was grounded in careful study of medieval sculpture, manuscripts, civic monuments, and tomb effigies, aiming to present accurate visual reconstructions of medieval social types rather than romantic fantasy. Each plate in this set represents a distinct role within medieval Italian society.

Upper left (Plate No. 42): A civic or judicial official, shown standing and gesturing, dressed in a long robe with contrasting lining and mantle. According to Bonnard’s source material, this figure represents a magistrate or civic authority of the late medieval period, emphasizing the formal drapery and symbolic posture associated with public office.

Upper center (Plate No. 43): A veiled woman in long, flowing garments, holding a rosary. Bonnard presents this figure as a pious woman or widow, illustrating devotional dress of the late medieval period. The restrained palette and modest silhouette reflect religious virtue and social respectability.

Upper right (Plate No. 44): A medieval foot soldier, armed with spear and shield, wearing mail armor and a helmet. Bonnard derived this figure from military representations of the 14th–15th centuries, focusing on practical arms and defensive equipment rather than heraldic excess.

Lower left (Plate No. 45): An elderly civic or scholarly figure in a long robe and cap, possibly representing a learned man, elder, or dignitary. Bonnard emphasizes age, dignity, and social status through costume weight, posture, and muted but rich coloring.

Lower center (Plate No. 46): An armored knight or man-at-arms, gesturing outward, clad in mail with a cloak and helmet. This plate illustrates late medieval martial attire worn by professional soldiers or noble retainers, balancing functional armor with symbolic presence.

Lower right (Plate No. 47): A seated monk or cleric at a reading desk, dressed in a simple habit. Bonnard based this image on monastic representations found in medieval sculpture and manuscripts, highlighting scholarly labor and religious discipline within medieval society.

Together, these six plates form a structured overview of medieval civic, religious, and military life as understood through 19th-century historical scholarship. The set works exceptionally well as a unified display and appeals to collectors of costume history, medieval studies, and decorative historical prints.

Condition:

Overall very good antique condition. Light, even age toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Hand-coloring remains clear and well-preserved. Margins ample; plate impressions visible. No major tears, losses, or restorations noted.

Framing tips:

Ideal for presentation as a 2 × 3 grid in matching dark walnut or blackened wood frames with generous ivory or parchment-toned mats. Museum-style spacing enhances clarity and emphasizes the scholarly character of the ensemble, suitable for a library, study, or refined interior.

Technique: Hand-colored lithographs

Maker: Camille Bonnard, France, circa 1860