Items Similar to Italian Gestures: Traditional Costumes and Body Language, 1820s Engraving
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10
Italian Gestures: Traditional Costumes and Body Language, 1820s Engraving
$228.19
£168.06
€190
CA$310.43
A$344.96
CHF 180.76
MX$4,230.29
NOK 2,305.51
SEK 2,168.94
DKK 1,446.44
Shipping
Retrieving quote...The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation
About the Item
This captivating hand-colored engraving from the 1820s, titled 'Italian Gestures', presents three figures in traditional Italian costume, each demonstrating a distinct and expressive gesture—an essential part of everyday communication in Italy. Published by Baldwin, Cradock & Joy as part of a wider ethnographic and costume series, this print captures not only the regional dress of the period but also the theatricality and warmth of Italian culture.
The first figure on the left is a woman holding a young child, dressed in a long white gown with a crimson bodice and colorful ribboned sleeves. Her outstretched hand and gentle expression accompany the phrase “Venite qui” (Come here), conveying invitation or maternal urgency. The gesture, subtle but unmistakable, is made with the hand bent slightly upward and the fingers curling in—a classic motion still familiar in modern Italy.
At center stands a graceful woman in an orange gown and a long black shawl, with one hand raised lightly in farewell. Her caption reads “A rivederla” (Goodbye), a formal and respectful parting phrase. Her serene pose and composed expression emphasize grace, dignity, and poise—hallmarks of public demeanor in 19th-century Italian society.
To the right, a robust male figure in cropped red trousers, blue cloak, and a wide-brimmed hat raises his hand with a curled index finger and thumb—a confident and definitive gesture matched by the word “Esattamente” (Exactly). His posture exudes assurance, and his gesture is one of affirmation, used to reinforce precision or agreement in conversation.
Each figure is rendered with exceptional attention to costume details, from embroidered trims to layered fabrics and accessories. The vivid hand coloring, expertly applied, brings warmth and vitality to the scene, reflecting the personalities and regional flavors embedded in both clothing and gesture.
These prints were popular among English travelers and collectors, offering an educational and entertaining look at everyday Italian life through the lens of its most expressive feature: gesture.
Condition:
Very good condition, with minor age-related toning and a few scattered foxing marks. The hand coloring remains vibrant and clear, and the sheet is well-preserved for display.
Framing tips:
For best presentation, pair this print with a neutral mat—ivory or light taupe—and a classic wood or antique gold frame. This will complement the natural warmth of the colors and enhance the print’s charm as both cultural artifact and decorative art.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 12.45 in (31.6 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1820
- Condition:Very good condition, with minor age-related toning and a few scattered foxing marks. The hand coloring remains vibrant and clear, and the sheet is well-preserved for display.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13605-2-281stDibs: LU3054345304832
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,494 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllCostume Print: Italian Gestures with Traditional Dress, 1820s Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Costume Print: Italian Gestures with Traditional Dress, 1820s Hand-Colored Engraving
This engaging hand-colored engraving, titled *Italian Gestures*, captures a lively moment in Ita...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Italian Costume Print: Expressive Gestures of Women, Hand-Colored, 1820s
Located in Langweer, NL
Costume Print: Italian Gestures with Traditional Dress, “Cattivo!” Series, 1820s
This delightful hand-colored engraving is part of a rare and humorous series titled *Italian Gesture...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Italian Regional Costumes: Sarzana, Sesto, Rome and Florence, 1823
Located in Langweer, NL
Italian Regional Costumes: Sarzana, Sesto, Rome and Florence, 1823
This hand-colored lithograph presents six detailed bust portraits of Italian women dressed in traditional regional...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Dialogue, Diplomacy and Divine Right: Medieval Italian Costume Scenes, 1845
Located in Langweer, NL
Dialogue, Diplomacy and Divine Right: Medieval Italian Costume Scenes
Italian Medieval Artisans, Merchants and the Regal Doge of Venice - Published in 1845
This cohesive trio of ha...
Category
Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints
Materials
Paper
Traditional Costumes from Frascati, Perugia, Albano and Monastic Orders – 1823
Located in Langweer, NL
Traditional Costumes from Frascati, Perugia, Albano and Monastic Orders – 1823
This hand-colored lithograph, labeled “No. 4,” continues the beautifully detailed series of European c...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
Costume Print: Traditional Dress of Rome, 1820 Hand-Colored Engraving
Located in Langweer, NL
Costume Print: Traditional Dress of Rome, 1820 Hand-Colored Engraving
This charming hand-colored engraving depicts two figures in traditional dress from Rome, Italy, capturing a mom...
Category
Antique 1820s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Italian Popular Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Italian Popular Costumes is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the government...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Italiann Popular Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Italiann Popular Costumes is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the governmen...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Uses and Customs - Neapolitan Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Neapolitan Costumes is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of ...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Costumes of the Reign of Naples - Etching - 19th Century
Located in Roma, IT
Costumes is aHand watercolored Etching realized in the 19th Century.
Good condition.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History...
Category
19th Century Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Etching
Italian Popular Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Italian Popular Costumes is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of the government...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
Uses and Customs - Neapolitan Costumes - Lithograph - 1862
Located in Roma, IT
Uses and Customs - Neapolitan Costumes is a lithograph on paper realized in 1862.
The artwork belongs to the Suite Uses and customs of all the peoples of the universe: " History of ...
Category
1860s Modern Figurative Prints
Materials
Lithograph
More Ways To Browse
Classic Engraving
Ribbon Sleeves
Gold And Black Dress Embroidered
Ivory Black Gown
Dragon Shelves
Ear Of Corn
Edo Charger
Erik Hoglund Glass Sculpture
Federal Secretary
Figural Perfume Bottle
Fish Statues
Flame Mahogany Secretary
Flat File Storage
Foo Dog Jar
Fornasetti Frame
Franco Albini Bar Cart
Frank Lloyd Wright Stained Glass
French Art Deco Tea Pot