Chief Baker, Head Cook and Ushers in Fur Lined Robes, Hand Colored Print, 1842

This original antique lithograph, hand colored, is from the Galleria Universale di Tutti i Popoli del Mondo (Venice, Giuseppe Antonelli, 1842). The upper image shows two attendants in lilac robes with striped sleeves, striped underrobes and full trousers tucked into yellow boots. At left the chief baker, moustached, in a tall pointed white cap, gestures with an open hand; at right the head cook, in a tall white cylindrical cap, looks upward carrying a covered silver dish on a tray. The lower image shows three bearded elders in long crimson robes lined with fur and yellow boots. The first, at left, and the third, at right, wear tall crimson caps; the one in the center wears a dark fur cap, and the third, with yellow sleeves beneath his robe, holds a long staff.

The top margin is lettered "Tom. IV", "EUROPA" and "Tav. 107". The upper captions read "Capo panattiere" (Chief baker) and "Capo-Cuciniere" (Head cook). The lower captions read "Primo Usciere" (First usher), "IIº Usciere" (Second usher) and "Capo Usciere" (Chief usher).

The plate presents the household offices of a court, those responsible for the bread, the kitchen and the doors, each distinguished by the shape of the cap and the cut of the robe. Fur lined robes and tall caps of this kind marked rank among court officials.

The crimson and fur of the lower group give the sheet real presence, and it suits a collection of court costume.

This is an original antique print, not a modern reproduction. This item is sold unframed.