Ferrario, Chinese Interior Scene with Official and Guard Costumes, 1815, Print

Details

Description

Chinese Interior Scene with Official and Guard – Ferrario Costume Series, 1815 This finely hand-colored copperplate engraving presents an evocative … Read more Chinese Interior Scene with Official and Guard – Ferrario Costume Series, 1815 This finely hand-colored copperplate engraving presents an evocative interior scene depicting a Chinese official seated at a desk, accompanied by an armed guard, rendered with theatrical clarity and ethnographic detail. Engraved by Luigi Giarre and published in 1815 as part of Giulio Ferrario’s influential series Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, the image belongs to one of the most ambitious early nineteenth-century visual surveys of global cultures. Ferrario’s monumental project aimed to document dress, architecture, customs, and social hierarchies from across the world, reflecting Enlightenment and post-Enlightenment European curiosity about distant societies. The composition captures a richly staged moment inside a Chinese administrative or scholarly setting. The seated figure, dressed in elaborate robes rendered in vibrant yellow tones, suggests a high-ranking official or magistrate. Behind him stands a guard bearing a polearm, reinforcing themes of authority and governance. Architectural details—including screens, calligraphic panels, and glimpses of exterior garden landscapes—convey European interpretations of Chinese interior aesthetics. Decorative elements such as the porcelain vessel with flowers, the carved stool, and the tiled flooring provide visual balance while emphasizing luxury and refinement. The stylized depiction reflects both genuine observational sources and the period’s fascination with chinoiserie, blending ethnographic intention with artistic imagination. Luigi Giarre’s precise engraving technique is evident in the clarity of linework and controlled application of hand-coloring, producing a harmonious composition that balances narrative detail with decorative appeal. As part of Ferrario’s Le Costume Ancien et Moderne, this plate represents early nineteenth-century attempts to classify and visualize global cultural identities through imagery. Today, prints from this series are appreciated by collectors for their historical significance, artistic quality, and their role in shaping European visual perceptions of Asia. The horizontal format and lively narrative make this work particularly attractive for interior designers seeking refined historical imagery with strong color accents. Condition summary: The print retains a strong plate impression with visible plate mark. Light age toning to the sheet and minor handling wear consistent with bound plates of the period. Original embossed blind stamp visible, as issued, with possible light overlap into the image area. Hand-coloring remains fresh and well-preserved. Overall condition is good and visually appealing. Framing tips: A dark walnut or lacquered black frame with a warm ivory mat enhances the vivid costume colors and architectural detail. A generous mat margin will emphasize the engraving’s refined presentation and suit both classical and contemporary interiors. Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving Maker: Luigi Giarre after Giulio Ferrario, Italy, 1815 Keyword block: Chinese interior antique engraving, Ferrario Le Costume Ancien et Moderne print, Luigi Giarre engraving, Chinese official costume print, antique chinoiserie scene, Asian ethnographic illustration, Qing dynasty themed print, Chinese scholar interior artwork, 1815 hand colored engraving, Asian historical costume illustration, antique decorative print China, early travel illustration Asia, collectible ethnographic engraving, Asian interior decorative art print. See less