Auguste Raffet, Karaïmes (Tchérsonèse, Crimée), Lithograph, 1830s

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Lithograph on wove paper, realized between 1837 and 1845. Signed in the plate. Moderate foxing present, mainly on the upper … Read more Lithograph on wove paper, realized between 1837 and 1845. Signed in the plate. Moderate foxing present, mainly on the upper and lower margins; the printed image itself remains clean, with rich tonal contrasts and sharp detail. This finely observed lithograph by Auguste Raffet depicts a group of Karaite Jews (Karaïmes) in traditional attire, standing in a relaxed cluster against a backdrop of the Crimean Peninsula landscape, with a windmill and stone wall behind them. The sitters wear long robes, sashes, and fur hats, conveying dignity and quiet strength. Raffet’s rendering of the Karaïmes reflects his interest in the ethnographic diversity of the Russian Empire, which he encountered during his travels. His attention to costume, pose, and physiognomy here exemplifies his ability to combine documentary precision with subtle artistic composition 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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