The Noble s Plea: A German Aristocrat in Supplication, 1847

The image depicts a man identified as a "Gentilhomme de la cour de Sigismond, empereur d'Allemagne," which translates to "Gentleman of the court of Sigismund, Emperor of Germany." This individual is portrayed in a profile stance, dressed in attire that is indicative of the high-status courtiers during the time of Emperor Sigismund, who reigned in the early 15th century. He is wearing a turban-like headgear, which reflects the influence of Eastern fashion on European court attire, possibly due to the Ottoman influence or the general exchange of culture during the Crusades and subsequent interactions. His doublet is richly patterned and he has puffed sleeves in red, which were fashionable among the nobility during the period. The garment is accented with a decorative belt that holds what appears to be a purse or a pouch. He also sports tight blue hose and pointed shoes, which complete the ensemble typical of a nobleman or a high-ranking court official in the Holy Roman Empire. Egg whites can be applied as a varnish over pigments to enhance their brightness and to protect the colors. This application could make the colors appear more vivid and also add a slight glossy sheen to the surface of the image. Egg yolk, on the other hand, was commonly used as a binding agent in paint. It forms the basis of tempera paint, a medium that was widely used before the advent of oil painting. Egg yolk helps to create a durable and long-lasting color that adheres well to various surfaces. In the context of the print from 1847, it's less likely that egg whites or yolks were used directly on the print, as by that time, commercial printing processes would have been more advanced and less reliant on such manual methods. However, if this print is a representation of an earlier style or is meant to mimic the appearance of hand-painted manuscripts...

Title: "Civilian Costume at the End of the 15th Century" Description: The image is a print from a series the "Costume du Moyen Age" dated 1847, and titled "Costume Civil de la Fin du XVe Siècle," which translates to "Civilian Costume at the End of the 15th Century." It showcases a man of status, possibly a noble or a wealthy burgher, standing in a poised and confident manner. He is attired in an ornate cloak covered in a complex pattern of fleur-de-lis and cross motifs, indicative of wealth and possibly a connection to royalty or high social rank. The cloak is open at the front to reveal a blue doublet with a belt, and he wears red hose—a fashion staple of the late medieval period. His footwear is also red, which stands out against the more subdued tones of his outfit. On his head, he sports a fur-trimmed hat, adding to the luxuriousness of his attire. In one hand, he holds a long staff, which serves as both a walking aid and a symbol of authority. His other hand rests on the hilt of a dagger, further indicating his readiness to defend his status or engage in the political or civic matters of his time. The artist has skillfully rendered the textiles and accessories with great care, emphasizing the fashion and social cues of the late 15th-century European society. The colors have a nice glow over them. Historically, egg whites, known as glair, and sometimes egg yolk were indeed used in illumination and painting, particularly in manuscripts, to give colors a brighter appearance and to add a sheen or gloss to the work. This technique was quite common during the Middle Ages...

French 19th-century framed lithograph of a Parisian noble family and their architect in Byzantine attire discussing architectural ground plans in a wooden black and silver frame (Sim...

French 19th-century framed lithograph of a young elegant Parisian man in Renaissance attire holding a gestural pose in a wooden black and silver frame (Similar group of prints NWL615...