Illustrations by Giulio Ferrario

Giulio Ferrario’s illustrations are a mainstay in our collection of illustrated books. His works in “Le Costume Ancien et Moderne ou Histoire” capture culture with vivid coloration and stand out on our covers. His iconic images portray Latin America and its history, offering a window into the collective imagination of the New World in our catalog. Le Costume Ancien, was a great world encyclopedia of the nineteenth century, covering culture with vivid illustrations, mostly colored by hand. Ferrario is also one of the artists chosen for the covers of our books.
Ferrario’s works are emblematic in the visual representation of Latin America, and his vivid vision of the culture and history of the region makes them ideal images to represent the collective imaginary of the New World in our catalog.
Ferrario’s illustrations, with their vibrancy and color, capture the essence of the era and the diverse cultures the encyclopedia purports to describe. His work, chosen for our covers, remains an inspiration and a reminder of the richness and diversity of the world at a time of exploration and discovery.
Ferrario’s work offers a detailed and decorated exploration of global culture, covering topics such as government, the military, religion, the arts, sciences, and the uses of all ancient and modern peoples of the New World. It is one of the most decorative aquatint publications published in Italy.
Published in Milan simultaneously in Italian and French, the French edition bears the full title of “Le Costume Ancien et Moderne ou Histoire du gouvernement, de la milice, de la religione, des arts, sciences et usages de tous les peuples anciens et modernes d’après les monuments de l’antiquité et accompagné de dessins analogues au sujet par le Docteur Jules Ferrario”. The Italian edition was published between 1816/1817-1834 under the title “Il costume antico e moderno o storio del governo, della milizia, della religione…” and includes additional volumes not present in the French edition.
The illustrations, mostly hand-colored, were engraved by artists such as Raineri and Gallo Gallina. These vivid representations add a visual richness to the text, providing a window into the distinct cultures and eras described.
Ferrario’s work is a remarkable example of nineteenth-century encyclopedism, uniting scholarship with art in a visually stunning representation of world cultural history. Its attention to detail and inclusion of both ancient and modern elements make it a valuable source for students of history, culture and art.
Giulio Ferrario’s hand-drawn illustrations, meticulous erudition and presentation in multiple languages reflect a dedication to excellence and a desire to bring knowledge to a wide audience. This encyclopedia remains a gem in the history of publishing and an invaluable resource for those seeking to understand the richness of human culture.