The Distinguished Spanish Chicken, 1888, Paper

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The distinguished spanish chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of spanish … Read more The distinguished spanish chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of spanish chickens, a distinguished breed known for its sleek black plumage, prominent white facial patches, and regal bearing. The print, titled spanjaarden, 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, selection, and care, reflecting the great interest in specialized breeds during the 19th century. The spanish chicken, often referred to as the white faced black spanish, is one of the oldest mediterranean poultry breeds. It is believed to have been developed in spain before being refined in england during the 18th and 19th centuries. This breed is best recognized for its glossy black feathers, bright red comb, and large white earlobes and facial skin, giving it a striking contrast that made it highly desirable for exhibition purposes. Spanish chickens were prized for their strong egg laying abilities, producing large white eggs consistently, though they were less commonly used as meat birds due to their slender build. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing technique that allowed for richly detailed and vibrant illustrations. The original artwork was drawn by christian förster, a renowned animal illustrator of the period. Chromolithographs were made by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, allowing for depth and realism in the final image. The smooth sheen of the feathers and the delicate shading on the white facial skin in this print showcase the precision and craftsmanship of the technique. ### condition summary the print remains in very good condition, with strong contrast and fine details well preserved. Some minor age related toning and slight foxing spots are present along the edges, which is typical for lithographs of this period. The paper remains stable, with minimal signs of wear, making this a highly collectible piece for enthusiasts of antique poultry illustrations and historical agricultural prints. ### framing tips to best protect and display this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques - use acid free matting to prevent long term deterioration. A soft cream or light gray mat can provide a subtle contrast to the dark plumage - opt for uv protective glass to shield the colors from light exposure and fading - a wooden frame in deep walnut, black lacquer, or dark mahogany will complement the striking contrast between the spanish chicken’s black feathers and white facial markings - float mounting can highlight the original paper edges, adding a historical and museum quality presentation this lithograph is an exceptional example of 19th century poultry illustration, capturing the elegance and rarity of the spanish chicken breed. Whether displayed in a study, farmhouse, or antique print collection, it serves as a beautiful and historically significant piece of agricultural art. See less