After Förster, The Regal Partridge Italian Chicken, 19th Century, Lithograph

Details

Description

The regal partridge italian chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this remarkable 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of … Read more The regal partridge italian chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this remarkable 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of partridge italian chickens, a breed admired for its striking plumage, graceful build, and lively temperament. The print, titled patrijsveer-italianen, originates from geïllustreerd hoenderboek, an illustrated poultry book published in 1888 by elsevier. Compiled by julius volschau and adapted for dutch readers by dr. A. C. Oudemans jzn., this book provided an extensive guide to poultry breeding, detailing both functional and ornamental breeds highly regarded in the 19th century. Partridge italian chickens are a visually striking variety, displaying a rich combination of deep golden-brown, black, and chestnut hues. The rooster in this lithograph stands with an imposing posture, exhibiting its glossy black tail feathers and vibrant golden saddle feathers. The hens are equally beautiful, featuring finely patterned feathering on their backs and wings, transitioning into a warm golden-brown on their chests. This variety is not only known for its beauty but also for its excellent egg-laying abilities and hardy nature, making it a favorite among poultry breeders. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a highly skilled 19th-century printing process that allowed for vibrant, multi-colored illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a well-known animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithography involved layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, to achieve depth, shading, and fine detail. The precision in rendering the intricate feather textures and the interplay of light and shadow in this lithograph highlights the mastery of this technique. Condition summary the print remains in very good condition, with its colors still rich and vibrant. Some minor age-related toning and light foxing are visible along the edges, a common characteristic of lithographs from this period. The paper is stable with minimal signs of wear, making it a valuable collectible for antique poultry print enthusiasts and historical agricultural collectors. Framing tips to best preserve and showcase this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques - use acid-free matting to prevent long-term deterioration. A warm beige or deep ochre mat will enhance the rich brown and gold tones of the partridge italian chickens - choose uv-protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in deep walnut, dark mahogany, or antique gold will complement the warm and natural tones of the print - float mounting can be used if the original paper edges are to be highlighted, adding a historical and museum-quality presentation this lithograph is an exceptional example of 19th-century poultry illustration, capturing the beauty and resilience of a breed that has played a role in traditional farming for generations. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art. See less