Anon. French Cigar Vendor (Des Cigarres et du Feu)

French Hand-coloured Lithographs of the Mid-19th-century

This print forms part of a beautiful collection of mid-19th century hand-coloured lithographs that we have for sale. The lithographs are principally French in origin and include a number of works by important French lithographers of the day, such as Célestin Nanteuil (1813–1873), Théodore Valério (1819–1879) and Alfred André Géniole (1813–1861).

The invention of lithography by Bavarian chemist Alois Senefelder in 1796 revolutionised printing, allowing prints to be made faster, cheaper and more plentiful than ever before. The technique became successfully established in Paris by 1816, one year after the fall of Napoleon. In 1839 printer Pierre Benoiste declared that 'Lithography is painting for the people. Oil paintings … are for the rich; engraving is for the bourgeoisie'. It was used to print all manner of paper material, including sheet music, newspaper illustrations, posters, maps, timetables, menus and more. Although not intended as an artist’s medium, fine artists were also quick to explore the potential of the new medium.

This collection of prints features extensive hand-colouring, bringing the monochrome lithography to life with real vividness; gum arabic and coating varnish often further heighten the colour. The art of hand-colouring prints is a little-studied but distinct discipline, requiring skill and flair to be done successfully.