Bavarian Peasant Woman Print Iffeldorf Germany 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This charming antique print depicts a peasant woman (Paysanne) from Iffeldorf in Bavaria, Germany. Created by François Claudius Compte-Calix, it was published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie as part of the esteemed Le Keepsake de Costumes series, a luxurious publication that presented traditional costumes from across Europe and beyond with artistic elegance and ethnographic accuracy.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a notable French painter and lithographer celebrated for his romantic and historical scenes, as well as his detailed costume studies that combine authentic depiction with decorative refinement.
This hand-colored lithograph, from the Musée Cosmopolite collection, portrays the Bavarian woman standing gracefully with one hand on her hip and the other resting lightly on a stone ledge. She wears a dark blue apron over a red dress with a fitted bodice featuring silver lacing, a delicate white lace collar, and a blue blouse with rolled sleeves. Her dark hair is styled under a round cap, and she wears brown shoes. The lithographic technique captures the fine lines and textures of her costume, while the careful hand coloring enhances its warm, vivid tones.
Lithography, used for this print, involved drawing directly onto a limestone plate, then inking and pressing onto paper to achieve crisp lines and subtle shading. Each print was subsequently hand-colored using water-based pigments, bringing depth and realism to the illustration.
Condition summary: good condition overall, with scattered foxing visible throughout the sheet, light age toning typical of mid-19th century prints, and a visible water stain along the lower right margin, not affecting the central image.
Framing tips: this print will be beautifully presented in a dark wood, walnut, or rustic black frame to complement its strong costume tones. A cream or warm beige mat will enhance the vivid colors while providing a subtle contrast to the aged paper. Museum-quality UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve colors and paper integrity.
This lithograph is ideal for collectors of German regional costumes, Bavarian heritage, and 19th-century lithography. It also makes a delightful decorative addition to kitchens, libraries, traditional interiors, or cultural institutions, bringing authentic European rural charm and timeless beauty to any setting.
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