Woman of Aragon – Hand-Colored Engraving by Grasset de Saint-Sauveur, c.1797
An exquisite late-18th-century hand-colored engraving titled “Femme de l’Aragon,” designed by Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur and engraved by J. Laroque, published circa 1797 in Paris. This plate belongs to Grasset de Saint-Sauveur’s acclaimed ethnographic series Costumes Civils Actuels de Tous les Peuples Connus, one of the most ambitious and artistically refined visual records of traditional dress from around the world.
The print depicts a woman from Aragon, a historic region in northeastern Spain, wearing richly detailed regional attire characteristic of the late 18th century. Her dress features a dark skirt with red trim, a delicately embroidered bodice adorned with floral motifs, and sleeves of soft green ornamented with gold and pink detailing. A lace ruff frames her neckline, while her confident stance and poised expression convey dignity and elegance. The figure’s blue patterned stockings and embroidered shoes add a further touch of refinement to the composition, showcasing the artist’s sensitivity to regional craftsmanship and textile artistry.
Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (1757–1810) was a French diplomat, ethnographer, and illustrator whose costume series combined anthropological curiosity with artistic precision. Each plate was hand-colored with care, bringing out the vibrancy of local fabrics and jewelry. The engraver J. Laroque masterfully translates the fine details of Grasset’s original drawings into copperplate, highlighting the textures of lace, silk, and embroidery with exceptional clarity.
This image serves not only as a work of art but also as a historical document of Spanish regional identity before industrialization transformed European fashion.
Condition report: Excellent condition with full margins. Original hand-coloring remains vivid and well-preserved. Very light toning to outer edges and minimal handling marks. Strong, well-defined plate mark visible around the image.
Framing tips: This print presents beautifully in a dark walnut or black frame with a soft cream or pale blue mat to complement the colors of the costume. Floating the print to reveal the full plate mark enhances its authenticity and charm.
Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving Maker: J. Grasset de Saint-Sauveur (designer), J. Laroque (engraver), Paris, circa 1797
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