Uniformen außerdeutscher Staaten – Framed Lithograph by Richard Knötel

This striking full-color lithograph by renowned German military artist Richard Knötel (1857–1914) presents a comprehensive parade of international military uniforms, titled Uniformen außerdeutscher Staaten ("Uniforms of Non-German States"). Produced as part of Knötel’s extensive work on historical military attire, this particular plate was published in connection with the Meyers Konversations-Lexikon—a prestigious German encyclopedia series known for its rich visual supplements.

The print is organized into three horizontal registers, each showcasing an array of soldiers and officers from various nations across Europe and beyond. Each figure is meticulously rendered in Knötel’s signature style, balancing historical accuracy with artistic precision. Every uniform is labeled by number, which corresponds to a full key (retained on the reverse) listing the nation, branch, and uniform type in German. This rare survival of the original reference sheet increases both historical value and collector interest.

Among the nations featured are:

• Austria-Hungary: Uhlans, Dragoons, Artillery Officers

• Italy: Bersaglieri, Cavalrymen

• Russia: Cossacks, Chasseurs, Hussars

• France: Zouaves, Chasseurs d’Afrique

• Britain: Highlanders, Guardsmen

• United States: Cavalry and Infantry in parade and field dress

• Japan: Modernized infantry and artillery units in Meiji-era kit

• ...and many more.

Historical Context:
Richard Knötel remains one of the most influential illustrators of military costume, with his Uniformenkunde series serving as a gold standard reference for historians, collectors, and costume designers alike. This print, likely issued around 1890–1905, reflects both the growing global reach of military professionalism and Germany's cultural engagement with foreign armed forces during the Wilhelmine period.

Framing & Display:
Housed in a clean, later-era wood frame with a neutral mat that highlights the artwork’s color saturation and detail. Glazed for protection. On the reverse, two surviving gallery labels are present, including one from Galerie Rolf Junghanns of Bad Salzuflen, Germany, which likely handled the piece’s modern mounting.

Display Suggestions:
Ideal for a study, library, or office with military, academic, or diplomatic themes. This piece pairs exceptionally well with other works by Knötel or with historical displays focused on 19th-century military alliances and international costume.

Additional Notes:

• Signed in-plate at lower right: “R. Knötel.”

• Measures approximately [please confirm exact dimensions if needed].

Related Items:
Consider pairing this with framed German state uniform studies also by Knötel for a complete depiction of global military attire during the high imperial era.

Condition: Very Good overall; print shows minor age toning and slight warping under the frame’s protective glass. Frame is modern but sympathetic to the historical character of the piece.