After Max Tilke, German Renaissance & Landsknecht Costumes, 1880, Prints, Set of 6

Details

Description

Germany 1500–1600, Set of Six Antique Hand-Colored Renaissance Costume Prints This exceptional set of six hand-colored costume plates presents a … Read more Germany 1500–1600, Set of Six Antique Hand-Colored Renaissance Costume Prints This exceptional set of six hand-colored costume plates presents a richly detailed visual history of German dress between 1500 and 1600, a century marked by artistic transformation, political upheaval, and the dramatic rise of the Landsknechts—Europe’s most flamboyant mercenary soldiers. Produced by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G. in Berlin after designs by Max Tilke, the series forms a cohesive and chronologically focused group illustrating both military and civilian fashion at the height of the German Renaissance. Plate 121 (1500–1525) introduces early Renaissance styles through richly dressed townspeople, artisans, and vividly attired Landsknechts in striped hose, puffed sleeves, and slashed fabrics. Their bold silhouettes and vibrant colors reflect an era that embraced display, individuality, and martial confidence. Plate 125 shifts attention to educated and urban society. Nobles, scholars, patricians, and elegantly dressed women appear in fitted gowns, fur-lined robes, tall hats, and structured outer garments typical of pre-Reformation Germany. This plate captures the rising influence of civic authority and intellectual life in cities such as Nuremberg and Augsburg. Plate 128 brings us deeper into mid-16th-century fashion, featuring court musicians, entertainers, and courtiers in short doublets, decorative hose, lightweight cloaks, and feathered caps. A second grouping includes finely dressed nobles and diplomats, highlighting the refinement and ceremony of German court culture. Plates 133, 134, and 135 together form an extraordinary triptych of Landsknecht fashion. These soldiers became famous across Europe for their exuberant and unconventional dress—massive slashed sleeves, multicolored fabrics, puffed shoulders, dagger-cut openings, exaggerated hose, and feathered hats. Represented here in various ranks and roles, the Landsknechts illustrate not only military history but also one of the boldest and most influential costume styles of the Renaissance. Their outfits remain some of the most recognizable in European fashion history. As a complete six-plate group, these prints present a compelling narrative of German Renaissance society—its militarism, its artistic ambition, and its richly diverse clothing traditions. The hand-coloring across the set is bright and consistent, showcasing atmospheric tones, strong contrasts, and careful attention to detail. Few collections display this level of completeness and visual harmony. Ideal for collectors of European history, early modern military culture, historical costume, or decorative antique prints with strong visual presence, this series also suits interior designers seeking classical themes, warm palettes, and refined historical character. Condition report: All six plates are in very good antique condition with gentle age toning and minimal edge wear. Image areas are clean and colors remain vivid. Plate numbers and captions clearly present. No tears, staining, or repairs. Framing suggestion: For a striking installation, frame the six plates in matching dark-stained or walnut frames with warm cream mats. They display beautifully in two rows of three, or as a vertical series of paired prints. Their strong color palette and rhythmic compositions create a dynamic yet elegant wall display. Technique: Hand-colored lithographs Maker: Max Tilke, printed by Ernst Wasmuth A.-G., Berlin, c.1880 Keywords: German Renaissance costumes, 1500s German clothing, Landsknecht soldiers, antique costume print, hand-colored lithograph, Max Tilke, Ernst Wasmuth Berlin, Renaissance fashion Germany, 16th century attire, historical dress Germany, court fashion 1500s, German nobles costumes, artisan clothing Renaissance, military costume print, antique European prints, historical illustration Germany, Renaissance mercenaries, decorative antique art, vintage costume plate, German history artwork, collectors print Germany, museum-quality costume illustration, early modern clothing Germany, colorful Renaissance outfits, slashed sleeves costume, puffed Renaissance hose, Reformation era clothing, German townsfolk costumes, aristocratic dress 1500s, medieval-to-Renaissance transition clothing, German print collection, interior décor antique prints, wall art historical costumes. See less