This is a small portrait print from 1888 featuring a scene of war battle with knights in armor jousting on horses. The print showcases European costumes and historical themes with a focus on fashion and religion. It is a chromolithograph produced in France using lithograph techniques, measuring 7.5 x 8.5 inches. The artwork is in a realistic style and is unframed.

This is an original chromolithograph print from a portfolio of costumes by Auguste Racinet. Published by Firmin-Didot and Co. in Paris France in 1888.

Here are ten interesting facts about Auguste Racinet, the French artist and historian best known for his work Le Costume Historique:

Born in Paris: Auguste Racinet was born in 1825 in Paris, a city known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage, which greatly influenced his work.

A Master Illustrator: Racinet was a skilled illustrator renowned for his meticulous attention to detail, making his work both scientifically precise and artistically stunning.

Pioneering Costume Studies: Racinet's Le Costume Historique was the first comprehensive global study of historical costumes, including not only European dress but also styles from Asia, Africa, and the Americas.

Color Printing Innovator: He utilized advanced chromolithography techniques of his time, allowing his plates to vividly depict the textures, colors, and details of various costumes.

Interdisciplinary Approach: Racinet combined art, history, anthropology, and fashion studies, creating a unique interdisciplinary reference for costume design and history.

Cultural Inclusivity: His work was groundbreaking in its inclusion of non-Western clothing, offering a rare glimpse into the traditional dress of cultures often overlooked by European scholars of the time.

Influence on the Arts: Racinet's detailed costume plates became a valuable resource for artists, designers, and illustrators, influencing everything from fashion design to theatrical costumes.

Six-Volume Masterpiece: The complete edition of Le Costume Historique contained six volumes and nearly 500 plates, showcasing costumes from ancient times through the late 19th century.

Timeless Legacy: Though Racinet passed away in 1893, his work continues to be a critical reference for historians and creatives, celebrated for its unparalleled breadth and depth.

Unmatched Scope: His research went beyond clothing to include jewelry, hairstyles, furniture, and weaponry, offering a holistic view of the cultural contexts behind historical dress.

Racinet's work remains a testament to his passion for art, history, and cultural preservation.