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The Common Man's Gesture: A Plebeian in Daily Life, 1847

About the Item

This original antique print for sale shows a figure labeled "Plebeien," which is French for "Plebeian," indicating that this individual is a commoner. The person is depicted in a long, bright yellow robe with a hood, which drapes in wide folds to the ground, a style that might have been worn for warmth or work by common people during certain periods in history. The individual is gesturing outward with his right hand, perhaps in conversation or pointing towards something of interest. The expression on his face appears engaged and animated. The simplicity of the robe, despite its vibrant color, suggests practical clothing rather than the more ornate attire of the upper classes. The color could signify a particular role within the community, a trade, or simply be a choice of personal attire. The title suggests the active role of the plebeian within the community and the everyday setting in which he belongs. Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image. Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces. In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts, the original artists might have employed techniques or materials that gave a similar effect to those achieved with egg-based binders and varnishes.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.63 in (27 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1847
  • Condition:
    Good. Overal very light toning and light soiling but the image itself clean and hand-colored almost 200 years ago and still in expliciet colors. Aged paper with typically warm, yellowish-brown hue, mostly around the edges. Study the image carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13635-181stDibs: LU3054337886732
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    The original antique print shows a seated figure labeled "Muger plebeia," which translates from Spanish to "Plebeian Woman" or "Common Woman." The woman is dressed in a simple yet elegant manner, indicative of the common people of the time. She is wearing a long dress in a pinkish hue with a red overdress or tunic, which drapes gracefully around her. On her head, she wears a blue hood that covers her hair, which was typical for women during various historical periods to denote modesty or as a fashion statement. Her seated position and the presence of the cane suggest rest or perhaps age. The simplicity of her clothing, without elaborate jewelry or adornments, signifies her status as part of the lower social class, although her clothing is neat and well-kept. Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image. Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces. In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts...
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