Spreewald Costume Scene, Prussia, Women in Boat, c.1875

Spreewald Costume Scene, Prussia, Women in Boat, c.1875

A vivid narrative chromolithograph depicting women in traditional Spreewald costume seated in a flat-bottomed boat, a scene characteristic of the canal-rich landscape of the region. The composition combines ethnographic costume detail with everyday rural life, showing lace collars, patterned aprons, and ceremonial headwear in active use.

The costumes shown are those of the Sorbian or Wendish population of the Spreewald and the wider Lusatian cultural area. Worn across villages in Lower Lusatia and parts of Brandenburg and Saxony, these garments formed an essential expression of identity, particularly for women.

Published in Leipzig by J. G. Bach after designs by Albert Kretschmer, the plate belongs to a celebrated 19th-century series documenting regional European dress with both scholarly intent and decorative refinement. The inclusion of landscape and movement gives the image strong visual appeal for interior display.

KEYWORDS:

Spreewald boat scene, Lusatia traditional dress, Sorbian costume, Wendish folk clothing, Lower Lusatia, Brandenburg folk culture, Saxony border region, Prussian folk costume, 19th century chromolithograph, regional German dress, European ethnographic print, European folk costume print

CONDITION:

Very good condition. Mild edge toning and faint handling marks in margins, image area clean with strong colour.

FRAMING AND MATTING SUGGESTIONS:

Medium to dark walnut frame with a soft cream or light linen-toned mat; a slightly wider bottom margin mat works well with the horizontal movement of the scene.

Technique: Chromolithography

Maker: Albert Kretschmer (after), Leipzig, c.1875