After Fossey, Swiss and Tyrolean Costumes, Fiancés of Fribourg and Tyrolean Figures, 1845, Lithograph

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Title: Swiss and Tyrolean Costumes – Fiancés of Fribourg and Tyrolean Figures, c.1845 : This fine hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe … Read more Title: Swiss and Tyrolean Costumes – Fiancés of Fribourg and Tyrolean Figures, c.1845 : This fine hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Suisse-Tyrol,” originates from the 19th-century Parisian series Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, published around 1845–1850 by Amédée Bedelet. Drawn by Fossey, lithographed by J. Bocquin, and printed by Lemercier, this work belongs to one of the most refined ethnographic costume collections of its era, combining documentary observation with Romantic artistry. The composition presents a lively Alpine village scene that celebrates the colorful traditions of Switzerland and Tyrol. In the foreground, a Femme de Brienz spins hemp beside her child while another woman, labeled Bernoise, carries a wooden tub, her attire distinguished by its wide-brimmed straw hat and layered apron. At the center stands a proud Tyrolien, rifle slung over his shoulder, dressed in breeches, embroidered suspenders, and tall red stockings—a perfect emblem of mountain fortitude and independence. Beside him, a young couple from Fribourg—identified as Fiancés du Canton de Fribourg—stroll together in courtship. The woman wears a vivid striped skirt and a bodice embroidered with the sacred monogram “IHS,” a traditional Christian symbol popular in Swiss Catholic cantons. Her suitor, in green coat and brown trousers, waves his hat cheerfully as a jeune pâtre (young shepherd) passes behind with his herd, evoking rustic simplicity and vitality. In the background, the wooden chalets, alpine peaks, and clear mountain air complete the picturesque setting typical of Romantic ethnographic imagery. This print captures the harmony between daily life, devotion, and celebration in the mountain regions of Central Europe. It conveys both the rugged character and the cultural richness of Alpine communities—an idealized vision of pastoral life much admired in mid-19th-century France. The exceptional lithography by Lemercier ensures subtle gradations of tone and texture, while the delicate hand-coloring brings warmth to each garment and figure. Collectors value plates like this for their artistry and their role in documenting traditional European costume before industrial modernization altered regional dress. Condition report: Good condition with mild foxing and age toning mostly in the margins. Image clean, colors fresh and beautifully preserved. Wide borders intact. Framing tips: Ideal with an ivory or cream mat and a light walnut, maple, or gold frame to complement the earthy hues of the Tyrolean and Swiss costumes. For a more rustic look, a natural oak frame enhances the Alpine character of the print. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: J. Bocquin after Fossey, printed by Lemercier, Paris, circa 1845 See less