This early 19th century lithograph is by the renowned French publisher Firmin Didot. It appeared in a series of volumes called Racine that covered the people of the world at the time, their rites and dress. Firmin Didot became publisher to the King of France in 1814, and re-printed the original 1801-1805 Racine volumes the rest of the century. In 1851 Racine was hailed in London as the most perfect publication ever made. Didot lithographs were usually signed by the lithographer, whose art was part of what made the prints so remarkable. In the case of the Indian images, they were often inspired by original Indian artwork brought to Europe in the 18th century. |
