This illustration depicts three English soldiers from the reign of King Henry III, as indicated by the title "Soldats Anglais du Regne de Henri III." Each soldier is shown wearing different types of military attire, likely representing different ranks or roles within the army. The soldier on the left holds a spear and is dressed in a chainmail hauberk with a red surcoat, the central figure is wearing padded armor with a large battle-axe, and the soldier seated on the right is in plate armor and a blue surcoat, resting on a longsword.
The variety in their equipment and attire provides a glimpse into the military dress of the period. The illustration is colorful and detailed, showing not just the military wear but also the personal style and weaponry of the era.
The source for this print is Costume Di Moyen Age, published 1847.
More about the vivid colors of this original hand-colored antique print:
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 and into the Renaissance.
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.
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