'Le Charme' Hand-Colored Dressage Lithograph

This item is a hand-colored lithograph titled 'Le Charme,' depicting a classical dressage scene. The image features a rider in period-correct aristocratic attire, including a green frock coat, tricorn hat, and tall riding boots, mounted on a gray horse performing a controlled maneuver along a wooden rail or barrier. The composition is characteristic of 18th or early 19th-century equestrian art, likely influenced by the works of Johann Elias Ridinger or similar masters of the period. The technique shows fine line work consistent with lithography or engraving, with watercolor washes applied by hand to add color to the figures. The print is housed in a modern black frame with a wide, neutral-toned mat that appears to be acid-free, providing a professional presentation. The paper shows a slight texture and a soft patina consistent with age, though it remains in good overall condition without significant foxing or visible tears. The plate mark is visible, indicating a traditional printing process. Elements like the horse's musculature and the rider's posture exhibit high-quality craftsmanship and attention to anatomical detail. The overall aesthetic suggests a 20th-century reproduction of a much older plate, or a well-preserved original antique print from a larger equestrian series.