Racinet, Afrique: North African Architecture & Costume, 1888, Lithographs, Set of 3

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North African Architecture & Costume, Racinet Afrique Plates, Set of 3, 1888 A refined and visually compelling set of three … Read more North African Architecture & Costume, Racinet Afrique Plates, Set of 3, 1888 A refined and visually compelling set of three original chromolithographs from 1888, drawn from Auguste Racinet’s celebrated Le Costume Historique, combining Moorish architecture with richly detailed studies of North African costume and identity. The first plate presents an elegant architectural study of a North African interior, likely inspired by Moorish domestic design. Executed after Renaux, the composition highlights slender columns, scalloped arches, and finely structured geometric tilework, offering a serene and highly decorative vision of courtyard and corridor spaces. The second plate, after Daniel Urrabieta Vierge, shifts to figural representation, depicting a diverse group including an Arab man of the Oran region, a Moorish boy, and women of Andalusian and Kouloughli heritage. The emphasis lies in textile, posture, and identity, rendered with Racinet’s characteristic clarity and balance. The third plate offers a richly detailed study of female costume from the Algerian Sahara, including Berber women from regions such as Touggourt and the Ouled-Nail. The garments and adornments—silk veils, elaborate hair ornaments, silver jewelry, and embroidered textiles—reflect a sophisticated fashion tradition shaped by trade routes and oasis culture. Together, these prints form a rare and cohesive visual narrative, moving from architectural space to human presence and finally to detailed costume and adornment. Racinet’s work stands at the intersection of ethnography and decorative art, and these plates exemplify the technical excellence of late 19th-century chromolithography, printed in Paris by Firmin Didot. As a set, they offer exceptional decorative impact and intellectual depth, making them highly desirable for collectors and interior designers alike. Condition: Good condition overall. Light age toning and occasional spotting, mainly in the margins. Some edge wear and minor imperfections consistent with age. Images remain clean with strong visual presence. Framing tips: Best presented as a curated set, either in a horizontal row or salon-style grouping. Use wide ivory mats with dark wood or subtle gilt frames to enhance contrast and elegance. Special note: This is an original antique engraving, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The prints are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: Auguste Racinet, Paris, circa 1888 See less