After Fossey, Moldavian and Circassian Costumes, Peoples of the Danubian Provinces, 1845, Lithograph

Title: Moldavian and Circassian Costumes – Peoples of the Danubian Provinces, c.1845 : This exquisite hand-colored lithograph, titled “Europe – Pr[ovinces] Danubiennes Circassie,” is taken from Le Monde en Estampes: Types et Costumes des Principaux Peuples de l’Univers, published in Paris around 1845–1850. Drawn by Fossey, lithographed by J. Bocquin, and printed by Lemercier, the plate was published by Amédée Bedelet with accompanying text by Élisabeth Müller. The series depicts, with great artistry and ethnographic sensitivity, the traditional costumes of nations and peoples across the world during the Romantic era. In this plate, the focus lies on the diverse inhabitants of the Danubian and Circassian regions, areas bridging Eastern Europe and Western Asia. On the left, a religieux Muldave (Moldavian monk) sits draped in a brown robe, engaged in conversation with a group of paysans de la Valachie (Wallachian peasants). The women’s clothing displays rich variations—embroidered vests, patterned skirts, and colorful shawls—symbolizing both modesty and local craftsmanship. Their postures, calm and dignified, reflect the quiet rhythm of rural life along the Danube. At the center and right, the attention shifts to two Circassiens, noble and striking figures in traditional warrior attire. The first, armored and resolute, wears a short cuirass, high boots, and a conical helmet—attesting to the martial culture of the Caucasus. The second stands beside him in a fur-lined coat and white turban, armed with a musket and sword, his posture commanding and serene. These figures evoke the romanticized image of the Circassians so admired in 19th-century Europe for their bravery, independence, and elegance. To the far right, a femme moldavalaque carries a wooden vessel on her head, accompanied by a young boy in a vest and wide shirt, adding a touch of everyday realism to the otherwise heroic tableau. Behind them rise the minarets and domes of an Eastern townscape, blending Christian and Islamic influences—a visual reflection of the region’s cultural crossroads. This composition harmoniously combines ethnographic observation with Romantic sensibility, emphasizing both costume and character. The masterful lithography by Lemercier captures the fine textures of fabrics and metals, while the delicate hand-coloring enhances each garment’s individuality in shades of blue, gold, crimson, and green. Condition report: Very good condition with mild foxing and light toning, mainly in the margins. Strong impression and vibrant colors, wide margins preserved. Framing tips: This plate displays beautifully with an ivory mat and a dark walnut or antique gold frame. For a more dramatic presentation, a black or deep olive inner mat can highlight the rich tones of the Circassian costumes. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: J. Bocquin after Fossey, printed by Lemercier, Paris, circa 1845