Vendange Vaudoise (Vaudois Wine Harvest)
Hand-colored wood engraving on paper, matted and framed • Swiss School; possibly an illustration from a topographical or cultural publication such as 'La Suisse Pittoresque' or similar regional travel volumes.
Style & Movement
19th-Century Realism / Regional Genre Scene
Medium & Technique
Wood engraving or steel engraving with contemporary hand-coloring in watercolor. The technique involves fine linear hatching and cross-hatching to create tonal depth.
Creation Period
Mid-to-late 19th Century (circa 1850–1880)
Dimensions & Format
Standard rectangular format in portrait orientation; estimated plate size 15 x 22 cm, frame size roughly 30 x 40 cm.
Subject Description
A narrative scene depicting the grape harvest in the Vaud region of Switzerland. Several figures in traditional peasant dress are shown picking grapes and processing them in a large wooden press (cuve). A child sits in the foreground, and the background shows a sloping vineyard typical of the Lavaux or wider Lake Geneva region.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Very Good. The colors remain relatively vibrant for the age, and the paper appears stable within the mount.
Estimated Market Value
$150 - $300 USD
Auction Estimate
$100 - $250 USD
Provenance History
Likely sourced from a 19th-century book or portfolio of Swiss scenes. The present framing suggests a mid-20th-century decorative acquisition.
Art Historical Significance
Signifies the 19th-century interest in ethnographic documentation and regional pride (Heimatkunde). It serves as a historical record of viticultural practices in Switzerland before the industrialization of farming.
Notable Features
The inscription 'VENDANGE VAUDOISE' clearly identifies the regional subject matter. The intricate detail in the woodcut technique combined with delicate hand-tinting is characteristic of high-quality period illustrations.
Condition Issues
Minor age-toning of the paper (acidification) visible at the edges of the mat. Light foxing possible but not prominent in the image area.
Conservation Recommendations
Ensure the use of acid-free matting and UV-protective glass. Avoid hanging in direct sunlight to prevent the hand-colored pigments from fading.