Christian Förster, The Distinguished Ramelsloher Chicken, 1888, Lithograph, Print

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The distinguished ramelsloher chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th-century chromolithograph features a pair of ramelsloher chickens, … Read more The distinguished ramelsloher chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th-century chromolithograph features a pair of ramelsloher chickens, a breed known for its pure white plumage, proud stature, and graceful tail feathers. The print, titled ramelsloher’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 study of poultry breeding, showcasing both productive and ornamental breeds highly valued in the 19th century. Ramelsloher chickens originated in germany, specifically in the region of lower saxony. This rare and elegant breed is recognized for its white feathers, long, flowing tail, and distinctive bright red comb and wattles. Unlike many other white-feathered breeds, ramelsloher chickens have striking blue legs, which add to their unique and refined appearance. The breed was historically appreciated for its excellent meat quality and moderate egg-laying abilities, making it a dual-purpose breed that was favored by small-scale farmers. In this lithograph, the rooster stands tall with an impressive tail arching gracefully behind him, while the hen presents a more compact and balanced profile. The contrast between their pristine white feathers and the darker background of the barn adds depth to the composition, emphasizing their noble presence. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th-century printing process that allowed for rich, multi-colored illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by christian förster, a talented animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithography involved layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, to achieve depth, shading, and intricate feather details. The smooth gradation of white tones and the subtle interplay of light and shadow in this lithograph highlight the craftsmanship involved in 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, which is common in lithographs from 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 cream or pale blue mat will enhance the contrast between the white feathers and the darker background - 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 elegance 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 distinguished 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