Waadtlaender (People of Vaud)
Hand-colored print on paper, likely a wood engraving or lithograph • Swiss School; possibly an illustrator for a series on European costumes or regional folk life
Style & Movement
Regionalism / Genre Art; specifically 'Trachtenbilder' (costume studies)
Medium & Technique
Ink on paper with hand-applied watercolor washes; features cross-hatching and fine line engraving
Creation Period
Mid to late 19th Century (c. 1850-1880)
Dimensions & Format
Small scale, approximately 4 x 4 inches (visual); Square format mounted in a decorative French mat
Subject Description
Three figures engaged in vine harvesting (viticulture) in the Vaud region of Switzerland. A woman carries a basket on her head, another stands by a large wooden barrel, and a man kneels to work the vines in the background. The title 'Waadtlaender' refers to inhabitants of the Canton of Vaud.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good; the print appears well-preserved within the mount with minimal surface disruption
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a 19th-century geographical or ethnographic publication; later professionally matted and framed for individual sale
Art Historical Significance
Represents the 19th-century European fascination with regional identity and folk costumes (Trachten). Such works served as both ethnographic records and decorative souvenirs for the early tourism industry in the Alpine regions.
Notable Features
The inscription 'Waadtlaender' in a decorative scroll at the base; high-quality hand-coloring; the use of a formal 'French mat' with gold leaf accents suggests it was handled by a professional gallery or framer.
Condition Issues
Slight yellowing of the paper consistent with age; minor fading of the watercolor pigments; possible slight foxing obscured by the matting
Conservation Recommendations
Display under UV-protective glass; maintain a stable environment with 50% humidity to prevent paper warping or further oxidation.