Auguste Raffet, Tanneurs Tatars (Tatar Tanners), Lithograph, 1840

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Lithograph on paper realized by Auguste Raffet in 1840. It is part of the suite "Crimée". The image portrays the … Read more Lithograph on paper realized by Auguste Raffet in 1840. It is part of the suite "Crimée". The image portrays the interior of a Crimean Tatar Tannery, showing traditional leatherworking techniques. Image dimension cm. 19.5x25. Signed and dated in the plate. This scene reflects Raffet’s keen interest in local crafts and ethnographic subjects during his travels through the Crimea and the southern Russian Empire. It documents Crimean Tatar artisanal life shortly after the region had been absorbed by the Russian Empire, at a time when these traditional crafts were still largely untouched by industrial methods. Raffet carefully observes working gestures, tools, and clothing, giving the plate both documentary accuracy and human warmth. Very good condition. Auguste Raffet was a leading French lithographer and illustrator, initially trained by Théodore Géricault. While best known for military and historical scenes, he also produced many Orientalist and travel-themed lithographs during the 1830s–1850s, especially during expeditions to Russia, the Crimea, and the Ottoman Empire. This work was created during his collaboration with Anatole de Demidoff for the illustrated travel atlas Voyage dans la Russie méridionale et la Crimée (published 1840–42 by Gihaut Frères in Paris). In that atlas, Raffet depicted not only landscapes and costumes but also funeral customs and religious sites of the region — this sheet fits within that ethnographic dimension. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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