Rare Set of 4 Matted 1857 Uncut Viennese Theater Costume Sheets by M. Trentsensky

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Discover a whimsical piece of 19th-century European theater history with this exceptionally rare, pre-curated set of four (4) genuine mid-century … Read more Discover a whimsical piece of 19th-century European theater history with this exceptionally rare, pre-curated set of four (4) genuine mid-century Viennese theater character sheets. Officially published in Vienna in 1857, these premium lithographs are the work of Matthäus Trentsensky (M. Trentsensky, Wien)—the legendary publisher credited with pioneering and perfecting the famous "Altwiener Mandlbogen" paper/toy theater sheets during the Biedermeier period.

Finding a matched collection of four sheets that have survived for nearly 170 years is an extraordinary rarity. Today, they present an incredibly chic, conversation-starting gallery wall for an upscale library, study, or eclectic living space.

The Theatrical Productions & Characters: Dom Sebastian (3 Sheets): Full, uncut cast character lineups for Gaetano Donizetti's famous grand opera Dom Sebastian (printed by Eduard Sieger). Features labeled figures such as Dom Sebastian, Camoens, Dom Juan de Sylva, and cloaked members of the Senates. One sheet bears an authentic, beautifully preserved vintage pencil date notation from 1857.

Fridolin (1 Sheet): Series sheet number Bl. 122 for Friedrich Schiller’s theatrical ballad drama, Fridolin, oder: Der Gang nach dem Eisenhammer. Labeled characters include Knabe, Graf Savern, Ritter, Fridolin, Hanns, and Stoffel.

Presentation & Dimensions:
Original Sheet Size: 14.5" W × 9.5" H
Overall Mounted Size: 16" W × 12" H (Standard frame-ready size)

Matting Details: Professionally preserved and housed in fresh, clean, acid-free double-mating. The custom design features a crisp white outer border accented by a deep crimson red inner border, which masterfully anchors the hand-painted colors within the lithographs.

Condition Report: Very good antique condition with notable age-appropriate wear. As rare survival specimens, the hand-applied coloration remains remarkably vivid, saturated, and crisp with beautiful depth. The 1850s rag paper presents a gorgeous, warm, natural age-patina with only very minor toning and faint foxing consistent with genuine 19th-century ephemera.

Paper Flaws: Minor paper wrinkling and a visible vertical tear extending down from the top edge on at least one sheet (clearly documented in photos). The tear is clean and stable within the matting. The double mats are pristine, structurally flawless, and ready for immediate framing. See less