After Förster, Refined Silver Spangled Hamburg Chicken, 19th Century, Lithograph

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The refined silver spangled hamburg chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this exquisite 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair … Read more The refined silver spangled hamburg chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this exquisite 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair of silver spangled hamburg chickens, an elegant and historically significant breed known for its striking feather pattern, active nature, and prolific egg laying ability. The print, titled zilverlaken hamburgers, 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 detailed insights into poultry breeding, featuring both utility and ornamental breeds that were highly valued in the 19th century. Hamburg chickens are one of the oldest recorded poultry breeds, with historical references dating back to the 14th century. They were particularly popular in the netherlands, germany, and england due to their eye-catching feather pattern and exceptional egg production. The silver spangled hamburg, as depicted in this lithograph, is a particularly striking variety, featuring a crisp white base color adorned with black spangling. The rooster stands with an air of confidence, displaying its flowing tail feathers and sharply defined spangles, while the hen exhibits a delicate yet refined build with evenly spaced markings. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing technique that allowed for vibrantly detailed illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a skilled animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithographs were produced by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and realism in the final print. The intricate feather detailing and the shimmering silver hues in this print highlight the craftsmanship involved in this artistic technique. Condition summary the print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and sharp details. Some minor age related toning and light foxing spots are visible, particularly along the edges, which is common in lithographs of this period. The paper remains stable with minimal signs of wear, making this an excellent collectible piece for antique poultry print enthusiasts and historical agricultural collectors. Framing tips to best preserve and display this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques - use acid free matting to prevent long term deterioration. A soft gray or light ivory mat will enhance the contrast of the silver spangled hamburg’s distinctive feather pattern - choose uv protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in deep walnut, dark mahogany, or classic black will complement the crisp black and white 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 refinement of one of the most visually striking and productive chicken breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art. See less