After Laurent, Woman from Felanitx, Majorca, Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1845

Details

Description

Woman from Felanitx, Majorca – Hand-Colored Lithograph, Espagne & Portugal No.18, c.1845 : This delicate hand-colored lithograph, titled Femme de … Read more Woman from Felanitx, Majorca – Hand-Colored Lithograph, Espagne & Portugal No.18, c.1845 : This delicate hand-colored lithograph, titled Femme de Felanix (Majorque – Baléares), originates from the Espagne & Portugal series of the Musée de Costumes, published in Paris around 1845 by the Maison Aubert. Drawn by Laurent and engraved by A. Portier, this print is plate No. 18 in the collection, part of an ambitious 19th-century ethnographic project to document the diverse regional costumes of Europe. The composition depicts a woman from Felanitx, a historic town in Majorca (Balearic Islands), shown in traditional attire typical of rural life on the island during the early 19th century. She wears a modest dress in muted tones of blue and white, with a full skirt and fitted bodice, covered by a plain apron and a headscarf that conceals her hair. The woman is portrayed holding a large clay jug, an everyday object used to carry water or wine, which situates her firmly in the context of domestic and agricultural labor. The pose—simple yet dignified—embodies the grace and fortitude of Balearic peasant women. As part of the Musée de Costumes, this lithograph reflects the era’s fascination with ethnography and regional identity, as Europe’s scholars and artists sought to preserve local traditions amidst the rise of industrialization and urbanization. The hand-coloring—applied with soft pastel hues—brings to life the subtle textures of fabric, pottery, and skin tone. The print’s fine linework and delicate shading reveal the technical mastery of 19th-century French lithographic production, particularly under the direction of Maison Aubert, renowned for its series celebrating traditional European dress. Condition report: Very good condition with fresh, original coloring. Slight toning toward the upper margin and minimal foxing consistent with age, far from the image area. Wide original margins intact and the impression crisp and clean. Framing tips: This print displays beautifully when framed with a light ivory or pale gray mat and a gilt or wooden frame. A grouping with other Espagne & Portugal costume plates or Balearic regional prints enhances its cultural charm and scholarly value. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: A. Portier sc. after Laurent del.; printed by Moine for Maison Aubert, Paris, c.1845 See less