Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Set of Four Italian Renaissance Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1887

About the Item

Set of Four Italian Renaissance Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1890s This striking set of four chromolithographic plates presents a vivid celebration of Italian Renaissance decorative arts, originally published in the late 19th century as part of the monumental design compendium Ornamentenschatz, or Treasury of Ornament. Created by the German designer and art historian Heinrich Dolmetsch (1846–1908), these plates exemplify his dedication to documenting and preserving historical ornamentation for future generations of artists, architects, and designers. Each print showcases a unique aspect of Renaissance aesthetics, including painted ceiling decorations, manuscript initials, wall frescoes, mosaic patterns, and classical architectural details. Rich with allegorical figures, mythological references, botanical elements, and classical motifs, the designs reflect the Renaissance’s revival of classical antiquity combined with the decorative exuberance of the period. Notably, the prints also serve as a valuable historical record of Renaissance craftsmanship, ranging from intarsia (inlaid woodwork) to painted ceramics (majolica), and embroidered textiles. Heinrich Dolmetsch was a central figure in the 19th-century revival of historical design traditions. Trained in architecture and decorative arts, he contributed to various restoration projects and was deeply influenced by the works of Owen Jones and Gottfried Semper. His Ornamentenschatz aimed to offer a broad survey of ornamental styles throughout history and across cultures, drawing from actual historic artifacts and architecture across Europe and the Middle East. Dolmetsch’s works are celebrated not only for their visual splendor but also for their scholarly accuracy and utility as reference materials in both academic and applied design contexts. These particular prints focus on the splendor and variety of Italian Renaissance decorative practices. The color work is superbly rendered, capturing intricate details and subtle gradations of hue that reveal the luxurious materials and labor-intensive techniques of the period. The combination of historical accuracy and artistic refinement makes these plates both educational and visually impactful. Condition: The prints are in very good condition for their age, with strong, unfaded colors and only minor foxing or edge wear consistent with handling and storage over more than a century. The paper retains its original tone and surface texture. No tears or repairs are visible. Each plate remains structurally sound and ideal for framing or archival preservation. Framing Tips: For display, consider mounting the prints with a generous acid-free mat to allow the details and borders to breathe visually. A simple gold-leaf or dark wood frame can enhance the classical character of the designs, while museum glass will protect the prints from UV damage and reduce glare. Displaying the set together in a linear or grid layout enhances their educational and decorative appeal.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13 in (33 cm)Width: 9.26 in (23.5 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 4
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1887
  • Condition:
    The prints are in very good condition for their age, with strong, unfaded colors and only minor foxing or edge wear consistent with handling and storage over more than a century. The paper retains its original tone and surface texture. No tears.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13155-53, -54, -55, 561stDibs: LU3054344908932

More From This Seller

View All
Set of Four German Renaissance Prints by H. Dolmetsch, Ornamentenschatz, c. 1887
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Four German Renaissance Prints by H. Dolmetsch, Ornamentenschatz, c. 1880 This exquisite set of four original chromolithographic prints by H. Dolmetsch comes from the renowne...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

French and Italian Renaissance Ornament Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1887, Set of 4
Located in Langweer, NL
French and Italian Renaissance Ornament Prints by H. Dolmetsch, c. 1880, Set of 4 This exquisite set of four antique prints presents an impressive array of decorative designs from t...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 French Renaissance Prints by H. Dolmetsch from Ornamentenschatz, 1887
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 4 French Renaissance Prints by H. Dolmetsch from Ornamentenschatz, 19th C. This exquisite set of four 19th-century prints showcases the opulent and varied design traditions o...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 4 Antique German Renaissance Design Prints by H. Dolmetsch, c.1887
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 4 Antique German Renaissance Design Prints by H. Dolmetsch, c.1880 This beautiful compilation of four antique prints celebrates the diverse and richly ornamental traditions o...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

German Renaissance Painted Sculpture Print by Dolmetsch, Ornamentenschatz, 1887
Located in Langweer, NL
German Renaissance Painted Sculpture Print by H. Dolmetsch, Ornamentenschatz c.1880 This captivating print by H. Dolmetsch showcases the intricate and vibrant art of 'bemalte Plasti...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

Romanesque Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1887, Manuscript and Mural Designs
Located in Langweer, NL
Romanesque Decorative Prints by H. Dolmetsch, 1890, Manuscript and Mural Designs This pair of richly colored lithographic plates by Hermann Dolmetsch, published around 1887 in Stutt...
Category

Antique 1880s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Italian Craftsmanship Set of Four Decorative Plates in Printed Porcelain
Located in Scandicci, Florence
From the"Black and Wild" collection, set of four decorative plates in printed porcelain. Each plate is hand made in Italy by our master craftsmen. Completely produced in Florence Italy by Artecornici design...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Porcelain

Materials

Porcelain

A Set of Four Fish Prints
Located in New York, NY
A series of four hand-colored lithographs of fish, mostly of Caribbean species. Each is matted in a lovely deep blue and framed in a golden silver frame. Each is lovely on its own...
Category

20th Century American Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Four Steeplechase Prints by Thomas Blinks
By Thomas Blinks
Located in Vista, CA
"The Steeplechase," circa 1900, a group of four colored prints, presented in wide oak frames. Thomas Blinks, the foremost sporting and animal painter of his generation, circa 1860-1912.
Category

Early 20th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Four 1930s Advertisement Prints
Located in Los Angeles, CA
These four prints from the 1920s to 1930s have a red theme. Advertisements from various cosmetics of the time. Temporarily framed in a basic black wood frame. Sold as a set, Item...
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Prints

Materials

Wood

Set of Four 18th Century Prints
Located in Long Island City, NY
Set of four 18th century prints of English Earls.
Category

Antique 18th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper, Wood

Set of Four Hand Colored Monkey Prints
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This set of four hand colored copper plate engravings are illustrations by early 19th century naturalist J. H. Jacob first published in Italy in 1812, and are referred to as "Jacob's...
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Regency Prints

Materials

Copper

Recently Viewed

View All