1888 Chromolithograph Ancient Greece Nude Bathing Ritual Fan Toilette Dress LCH1

This is a rare, original 1888 color chromolithograph which offers a glimpse of both the bathing and dressing rituals of women in ancient Greece. As women were not often allowed out of the house unless accompanied by their husband or male relative, they had ample time to spend beautifying themselves. Water was fetched early in the morning, and a house slave would help her mistress wash with a combination of water and perfume, as depicted here. Particular attention was always paid to the hair, as long, luscious locks were seen as a sign of beauty. Dressing once again required the help of a slave, as these upper class women rarely performed any menial tasks themselves.

Key Elements in Each Panel

Top - 1. Preparing the water 2. Once her hair was dry, the lady would untangled the knots, using a convex mirror made of metal - 3,4,5. The dressing process,

Bottom - 16. The mistress would wash her hair herself, to rid it of the previous day's dust, powders, and dyes - 9,11,12,13. Sashes used either as belts or hair bands - 19. A servant helps her mistress wash her back - 6,7,8,10,14,15,22. Fans, often made of painted peacock feathers.

CONDITION

This 123+ year old Item is rated Near Mint / Very Fine. Light aging throughout. Light wrinkling. No natural defects. No surface rub. No tears. No water damage.

• Product Type: Original Chromolithograph; Color
• Grade: Near Mint / Very Fine
• Dimensions: Approximately 10 x 14 inches; 25 x 36 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper has obtained an extraordinary, ultra-rare collection of original color and chromolithographs, which capture a myriad of ancient cultures and costumes from around the world. Virtually unseen individually, and from perhaps the most coveted portfolio of costumes from the 19th century, these historically important elephant folio-sized chromolithographs depict scenes and images venturing from ancient Egypt to classical Rome and Greece. Each illustration was adapted from actual artifacts and archaeological sites to define accurate representations of life during each time period; from the dainty Orient to the tribes of Oceania, there are beautiful illustrations for all, each more unique than the next.

Please note that the full original supporting documents for this original piece, shown in the additional pictures attached to the listing, are included and will be shipped with this original.

The originals offered are from the first edition of RacinetÕs masterwork on costumes of the world. Many have been heightened in gold and silver. The full color chromolithographs are some of the most spectacular we have procured. The duotone chromolithographs are stunning and impeccably preserved. Each piece from the collection is in museum-quality condition.

Keywords specific to this image: daily life, culture, sash, girdle, parasol, tunic, costume

LCH1C88