Das Mädchen aus Scio, 1840 – Exquisite 19th-Century Coloured Engraving

Enhance your collection with this rare and masterfully detailed coloured copper engraving, Das Mädchen aus Scio (The Girl from Chios), created in 1840. A prime example of 19th-century German Romanticism, this piece captures the allure of historical and cultural storytelling, reflecting Europe's fascination with the exotic and the heroic struggles of the Greek War of Independence. The scene is imbued with nostalgia and admiration for traditional dress, music, and folklore, making it an extraordinary find for collectors and historians alike.

Key Features:

• Authenticity: Genuine 19th-century hand-coloured copper engraving.
• Material: Copper engraving with rich hand-applied pigments.
• Dimensions: Height: 22.5 cm, Width: 16 cm.
• Condition: Excellent condition with minor age-appropriate wear, preserving its authentic charm.
• Era/Origin: Created in Germany during the early 19th century, a time of intense artistic romanticism and fascination with classical and historical themes.

Historical Context & Artistic Significance

This engraving is deeply rooted in the European Romantic movement, which sought to depict the beauty and struggles of various cultures through highly stylized and dramatic imagery. The scene likely portrays a young Greek woman from the island of Chios (Scio), a region historically significant due to its involvement in the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire. German artists and intellectuals of the 19th century were deeply influenced by the struggle for Greek independence, seeing it as a parallel to Europe’s own revolutionary movements.

The setting of the engraving—framed by an arched doorway, with a distant castle silhouetted against the sky—adds a sense of depth and narrative. The contrast between the seated musician and the standing young woman suggests a moment of storytelling, romance, or cultural tradition being passed down through generations.

The Story Behind the Find

This rare engraving was discovered in a private German estate, part of a larger collection dedicated to Romantic-era illustrations. Originally owned by a 19th-century scholar who traveled extensively through Southern Europe, it was believed to have been part of a folio documenting the cultural richness of the Mediterranean. Carefully preserved in an archival portfolio, it remained unseen for decades until it was recently acquired from a European collector specializing in historical engravings.

"Owning this artwork means preserving a moment in time—a beautifully rendered snapshot of a bygone era where art, history, and storytelling intertwined. It is not just an engraving, but a gateway to history."