Hand Colored French Lithograph Portrait

Lithography was discovered in 1796 by a Bavarian playwright who accidentally discovered he could make prints of his scripts using greasy crayon on limestone slabs.  In the early half of the 19th century most lithographs were black and white until chromolithography was invented in 1837.  However, chromolithography was expensive, time consuming and it was difficult to line up the color slabs with the original print.  Hand coloring was still favored and extensively used in map printing, advertising and art applications up into the late 1800s.

This absolutely gorgeous hand colored lithograph was made in France likely between 1850 and 1870.  Many French lithographs were made for household use and were often based off popular paintings or engravings.  Our portrait features a stunning lounging woman dripping in golden jewels and pearls.  She is holding a flower basket and is wearing matching flowers in her hair.  On her dress sleeves is a repeating pattern of the Star of David.  The lithograph is entitled "Germany.  Allemagne." with "Grande Etude Aux Deux Crayons" (Large Study With Two Pencils) printed below.  Unfortunately, this lithograph is not signed by the artist.

This print is framed in a metallic gold frame and is ready to hang.  She is a wonderful representation of the Romantic era of the mid 1800s and a beautiful piece of lithograph history.  

This item is not available for shipping.  Please contact us to arrange a pick-up!