German Nobleman of the Middle Ages: Elegance in Profile, 1847

The image depicts a man identified as a "Gentilhomme de la cour de Sigismond, empereur d'Allemagne," which translates to "Gentleman of the court of Sigismund, Emperor of Germany." This individual is portrayed in a profile stance, dressed in attire that is indicative of the high-status courtiers during the time of Emperor Sigismund, who reigned in the early 15th century. He is wearing a turban-like headgear, which reflects the influence of Eastern fashion on European court attire, possibly due to the Ottoman influence or the general exchange of culture during the Crusades and subsequent interactions. His doublet is richly patterned and he has puffed sleeves in red, which were fashionable among the nobility during the period. The garment is accented with a decorative belt that holds what appears to be a purse or a pouch. He also sports tight blue hose and pointed shoes, which complete the ensemble typical of a nobleman or a high-ranking court official in the Holy Roman Empire. 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...

Title: "Civilian Costume at the End of the 15th Century" Description: The image is a print from a series the "Costume du Moyen Age" dated 1847, and titled "Costume Civil de la Fin du XVe Siècle," which translates to "Civilian Costume at the End of the 15th Century." It showcases a man of status, possibly a noble or a wealthy burgher, standing in a poised and confident manner. He is attired in an ornate cloak covered in a complex pattern of fleur-de-lis and cross motifs, indicative of wealth and possibly a connection to royalty or high social rank. The cloak is open at the front to reveal a blue doublet with a belt, and he wears red hose—a fashion staple of the late medieval period. His footwear is also red, which stands out against the more subdued tones of his outfit. On his head, he sports a fur-trimmed hat, adding to the luxuriousness of his attire. In one hand, he holds a long staff, which serves as both a walking aid and a symbol of authority. His other hand rests on the hilt of a dagger, further indicating his readiness to defend his status or engage in the political or civic matters of his time. The artist has skillfully rendered the textiles and accessories with great care, emphasizing the fashion and social cues of the late 15th-century European society. The colors have a nice glow over them. Historically, egg whites, known as glair, and sometimes egg yolk were indeed used in illumination and painting, particularly in manuscripts, to give colors a brighter appearance and to add a sheen or gloss to the work. This technique was quite common during the Middle Ages...

Title: "Jean de Werchin: The Knight's Poise" Description: This print illustrates Jean de Werchin, a knight and seneschal of Hainaut, captured in a moment of courtly grace. His postu...

Title: "The Stature of a Milanese Noble: An Artistic Depiction from 'Costume du Moyen Âge'" Description: This finely detailed lithograph is part of the 1847 seminal work "Costume du Moyen Âge," which portrays a Milanese nobleman, attired in the fashion of the Middle Ages. The nobleman stands in a dignified pose, with a slight turn to the side that suggests movement or the commencement of an address. His garment is a robust, terracotta-hued robe, which falls in heavy folds to the ground, indicating the weight and quality of the fabric. The robe features elegant blue cuffs and a blue collar, which provide a contrast to the warm primary color and are adorned with diamond-shaped embellishments, implying a subtle yet unmistakable wealth. Atop his head sits a distinctive chapeau with a jaunty feather, adding a touch of personal flair to his ensemble. This hat, along with his full, neatly groomed beard, contributes to the air of wisdom and experience that the nobleman exudes. His expression is one of contemplation and sagacity, with eyes that appear to be observing or assessing the scene before him. As in other plates from the collection, the background is left intentionally plain, directing the viewer’s focus to the subject and his elaborate attire. This lithograph not only captures the fashion and dignity of a nobleman from Milan but also serves as a cultural and historical record, revealing the meticulous attention to detail in costume design and social hierarchy of the time. The lithograph serves as a visual study of the mores and attire of the period, crafted with reverence for the historical accuracy and an appreciation for the aesthetics of medieval clothing...

Noble Arab is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Hand colored. Good condition. At the center of the artwork is the original title "Noble Arabe". The work is part of Sui...

Imerethian Prince is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Hand colored. Good condition. At the center of the artwork is the original title "Imerethian Prince". The work i...

Persian Nobleman is a lithograph made by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Hand colored. Good condition. At the center of the artwork is the original title "Noble Persan". The work is part...

Marchand Maure is a hand colored lithographs realized by Auguste Wahlen in 1844. Good conditions. The artwork belongs to the Suite Moeurs, usages et costumes de tous les peuples du...