Christian Förster, The Distinctive La Flèche Chicken, 1888, Lithograph, Print

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The distinctive la flèche chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this remarkable 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair of … Read more The distinctive la flèche chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this remarkable 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair of la flèche chickens, an elegant and rare french breed known for its striking v-shaped comb, sleek black plumage, and excellent meat quality. The print, titled la flèche’s, 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 in-depth guide to poultry breeding, care, and selection, reflecting the growing demand for high quality meat and egg producing breeds during the 19th century. La flèche chickens are one of the most unique european breeds, originating in the loire valley of france. They are best known for their distinctive horn-shaped comb, which gives them a regal and almost devilish appearance. These birds were historically favored by french markets for their fine-textured meat, which was considered among the best of any poultry breed. The breed is also an excellent forager, thriving in free range environments, and is capable of producing a good number of large white eggs. The rooster in this lithograph stands tall with an upright posture, showcasing its glossy black plumage, while the hen is depicted in a natural foraging stance, reflecting the breed’s active nature. This lithograph was produced using chromolithography, a highly detailed 19th century printing technique that allowed for vibrant and realistic color reproduction. The illustration is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a well known animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithographs were created by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and realism in the final print. The delicate shading on the feathers and the refined details in the comb and wattles highlight the exceptional craftsmanship involved in this printing process. Condition summary the print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and intricate details. Some minor age related toning and light foxing spots are visible, primarily along the edges, which is typical for lithographs of this period. The paper remains stable, with minimal signs of wear, making this an excellent 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 soft ivory or pale gray mat will enhance the rich black tones of the la flèche’s plumage - opt for uv protective glass to protect the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in a deep walnut, black lacquer, or dark mahogany will complement the dramatic contrast of the bird’s striking features - float mounting can be used to highlight the original paper edges, adding a historical and museum quality presentation this lithograph is an outstanding example of 19th century poultry illustration, capturing the refinement and uniqueness of one of france’s most prestigious breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art. See less