Förster, Malay Chickens, Lithograph, 1888

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The striking malay chicken - a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of … Read more The striking malay chicken - a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of malay chickens, an ancient and powerful breed known for its tall stature, muscular build, and striking plumage. The print, titled maleiers, originates from geïllustreerd hoenderboek, an illustrated poultry book published in 1888 by elsevier. Written by julius volschau and adapted for dutch readers by dr. A. C. Oudemans jzn., this book provides a detailed guide on poultry breeding, care, and housing, reflecting the widespread interest in exotic and historically significant chicken breeds during the 19th century. The malay chicken is one of the oldest recorded poultry breeds, with origins tracing back thousands of years to southeast asia, particularly present-day malaysia, indonesia, and india. These birds were bred for their impressive height, reaching up to 90 centimeters, and their well-defined musculature. Malay chickens were among the first asiatic breeds introduced to europe, gaining popularity for their unique appearance and historical significance. The roosters are known for their long legs, upright stance, and strikingly intense gaze, while the hens, though smaller, share the same sleek, athletic build. Their plumage often features rich tones of deep red, green, and black, creating an iridescent effect under natural light. This lithograph was produced using chromolithography, a highly detailed 19th century printing technique that allowed for vibrant and realistic color reproduction. The artwork is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a skilled illustrator specializing in animal subjects. Chromolithographs were created by applying multiple layers of color, each using a separate stone plate, resulting in a richly textured and highly detailed final print. The lifelike rendering of the malay chickens in this illustration captures their distinctive physical traits, from the curve of their beaks to the sheen of their feathers. Condition summary the print remains in good condition, with rich colors and intricate details still well preserved. There is some visible age related toning, particularly along the edges, along with minor foxing spots, which are typical for lithographs of this period. The paper remains stable, with minimal signs of wear, making this a highly collectible piece for those interested in antique poultry prints or historical representations of rare chicken breeds. Framing tips to best preserve and showcase this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques - use acid free matting to prevent any deterioration of the paper over time. A warm beige or light brown mat can complement the earthy tones of the illustration - opt for uv protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in a rich mahogany, deep walnut, or black finish will enhance the dramatic contrast of the malay rooster’s dark plumage - float mounting can be used if the edges of the original print are to be highlighted, adding a museum quality presentation this lithograph is an outstanding example of 19th century craftsmanship and a historical record of one of the oldest and most fascinating poultry breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a striking and historically valuable piece of agricultural art. See less