Pair Early 20th Century Carnival Costume Chromolithographs in Black Frames

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This striking pair of antique chromolithographs presents two exuberant full-length figures dressed in elaborate ceremonial and theatrical costumes. Crafted circa … Read more This striking pair of antique chromolithographs presents two exuberant full-length figures dressed in elaborate ceremonial and theatrical costumes. Crafted circa 1910, the unusually tall prints evoke the festive pageantry of European and American carnival traditions, masquerade balls, theatrical productions, and Mardi Gras celebrations of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The male figure is portrayed as a jovial carnival king, wearing a jeweled crown embellished with dramatic feathers, an ermine-trimmed mantle, richly patterned Renaissance-inspired costume, medals and decorative insignia. He raises a foaming champagne glass in celebration while holding a striped baton in his opposite hand. His exaggerated expression and colorful attire give the image a humorous, theatrical character.

The companion female figure is rendered in an equally elaborate military-inspired costume, wearing a plumed cap, fitted tasseled bodice, richly ornamented jacket and sweeping cobalt-blue skirt. She raises a stemmed goblet while holding a ceremonial sword, reinforcing the festive and allegorical nature of the pair.

Printed in a vivid palette of red, blue, green, gold and black, the works retain the charming fold lines and subtle age-related variations associated with antique paper prints of this scale. Both are presented under glass in later black molded frames, creating a clean contrast with the colorful historic imagery.

An unusual and highly decorative pair, these large antique costume prints would make a wonderful statement in a bar, game room, dining room, theater room or eclectic interior. The pair is in excellent condition commensurate with age and use.

Dimensions: Each 30.25" W x 1" D x 68.5" H. See less