After Gaté, Traditional Woman from Majorca, 1820, Hand-Colored Engraving

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Title: Traditional Woman from Majorca – Hand-Colored Engraving, c.1820 : This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled *Costume de Majorque* (Costume of … Read more Title: Traditional Woman from Majorca – Hand-Colored Engraving, c.1820 : This elegant hand-colored engraving, titled *Costume de Majorque* (Costume of Majorca), is plate No. 74 from the renowned series *Costumes de divers Pays*, published in Paris around 1820. Drawn by Gaté and engraved by Gatine, this piece captures a woman from the island of Majorca in her traditional attire, reflecting the refined charm and cultural richness of early 19th-century Mediterranean dress. The woman is portrayed standing with quiet poise, wearing a finely pleated cream-colored skirt edged with decorative embroidery in pink and green scrolls. Over her dark bodice she drapes a white shawl, edged with a delicate fringe and tied beneath a blue satin bow. Around her waist, a beautifully rendered belt of gold links and tassels adds a note of sophistication, while the fan in her hand suggests refinement and confidence. Her gold bracelets and earrings add subtle touches of luxury, complementing the soft, serene palette of the composition. This print is an outstanding example of early 19th-century costume engraving, part of a larger Romantic movement that celebrated national dress and local customs. French engravers like Gatine excelled at combining ethnographic documentation with artistic elegance, producing images that were both informative and aesthetically engaging. The series offered European audiences an artistic glimpse into the cultural variety of the world at a time when travel was still limited. Condition report: A clean and well-preserved impression with excellent original color. Minor toning and a few faint spots in the margins, consistent with age. The printed image remains crisp and luminous. Framing tips: Ideal for display in a gold or light wood frame with a cream or pale blue mat, which enhances the refined tones and period charm of the composition. This engraving pairs attractively with other Iberian or Mediterranean costume plates from the same series. Technique: Hand-colored engraving Maker: Gaté del.; Gatine sculp.; published in Paris, c.1820 See less