Volschau, Langshan Poultry, 1888, Lithograph

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The elegant langshan a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this impressive 19th century chromolithograph depicts a pair of langshan chickens, … Read more The elegant langshan a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this impressive 19th century chromolithograph depicts a pair of langshan chickens, a highly esteemed breed known for its graceful stance, deep black plumage, and strong, upright posture. The print, titled langshans met gladde pooten, comes from geïllustreerd hoenderboek, an illustrated poultry book published in 1888 by elsevier. The book was authored by julius volschau, a leading expert in poultry breeding, and adapted for dutch readers by dr. A. C. Oudemans jzn., offering extensive knowledge on poultry selection, breeding, and care. The caption beneath the title notes that these birds were directly imported from north china, highlighting their exotic origins and value in european poultry collections. The langshan breed originates from the region of northern china and was first brought to england in the late 19th century. Distinguished by their glossy black feathers with an iridescent green sheen, langshans were prized for their elegance, productivity, and adaptability. Unlike cochin chickens, which have heavily feathered legs, langshans with smooth legs, as shown in this print, were preferred by some breeders for their sleek and refined appearance. These birds were known for their tall, upright bodies, giving them a regal presence that made them popular in both farmyards and exhibitions. This lithograph was produced using chromolithography, a meticulous 19th century printing process that allowed for the creation of vibrant, multi toned illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a skilled animal illustrator of the time. The chromolithographic method involved layering colors using separate stone plates, ensuring depth and richness in the final image. The deep blacks, subtle shading, and delicate feather details in this print highlight the precision and artistry of the technique. Condition summary the print remains in very good condition, with its dark hues and fine details still well preserved. There is some minor age related toning along the edges, along with a few small foxing spots, which are typical for prints of this era. The paper remains stable, with no significant damage, making this an excellent piece for collectors of antique poultry illustrations or those interested in historical representations of rare chicken breeds. Framing tips to best protect and enhance this lithograph, consider the following framing recommendations - use acid free matting to prevent deterioration over time. A soft ivory or light gray mat will provide contrast against the dark tones of the birds - opt for uv protective glass to shield the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in a deep walnut, ebony, or mahogany finish will complement the rich black feathers of the langshans - float mounting can be used to preserve the full integrity of the original sheet, showcasing its historical character this lithograph is an outstanding example of 19th century craftsmanship and a reflection of the fascination with exotic poultry breeds during the era. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it serves as both a striking decorative piece and a valuable historical record of poultry breeding. See less