Moorish Woman Costume Print Algeria 1853 by Compte-Calix – Hand-Colored Lithograph
This elegant antique print depicts a Moorish woman (Femme Mauresque) from Algeria, part of the celebrated 19th-century costume series by François Claudius Compte-Calix. Published in Paris in 1853 by Chez Aubert et C-ie, it formed part of Le Keepsake de Costumes, a luxurious edition illustrating traditional costumes from around the world.
François Claudius Compte-Calix (1813-1880) was a respected French painter and lithographer known for his refined romantic and historical subjects. His works captured intricate costume details with a painterly yet precise approach. This hand-colored lithograph from the Musée Cosmopolite collection shows a Moorish woman standing gracefully, dressed in layered garments featuring a richly patterned scarf draped across her shoulder, a deep blue headscarf adorned with jewellery, a sheer striped overdress, and dark trousers with gold floral motifs. She leans lightly on an ornately carved structure, evoking the architectural elegance of North African interiors.
The lithographic technique used here allowed the artist to transfer his original drawing onto stone for printing, after which skilled colorists applied water-based pigments by hand, creating lifelike hues and soft tonal transitions. Such prints were prized in the 19th century as both educational references and decorative artworks that brought exotic and historical imagery into European salons and libraries.
Condition summary: generally good for its age, with scattered foxing visible throughout the sheet and a darker water stain along the right margin, not affecting the printed image. Slight age toning is visible, consistent with mid-19th century paper.
Framing tips: this lithograph will display beautifully in a gold, bronze, or dark wooden frame to echo the warm tones of the costume. A cream or light beige mat will enhance the brightness of the hand-coloring while giving the piece a sophisticated presentation. Use museum-quality glass to protect the paper from UV damage and preserve its colors for decades.
Collectors of orientalist art, ethnographic studies, and antique prints will find this work a valuable addition to their collection, offering a glimpse into the elegant attire and artistic representation of Moorish women in mid-19th century Algeria. It is equally suited as a striking interior decoration for homes or offices with classical, eclectic, or historical design themes.
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