Christian Förster, The Noble Dorking Chicken, 1888, Lithograph, Print

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The noble dorking chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this magnificent 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of dorking … Read more The noble dorking chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this magnificent 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of dorking chickens, one of the oldest and most distinguished poultry breeds known for its large size, excellent meat quality, and unique five-toed feet. The print, titled dorkings, 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 guidance on poultry breeding, selection, and care, reflecting the great interest in traditional and highly productive breeds during the 19th century. The dorking breed has an ancient lineage, with origins dating back to roman times when it was brought to britain by the legions. Named after the market town of dorking in surrey, england, this breed became widely popular due to its broad body, fine textured meat, and calm temperament. Dorkings are easily recognizable by their fifth toe, a rare trait among chickens. The rooster in this lithograph is portrayed with its striking white and black plumage, complemented by a bright red comb and wattles. The hen, equally elegant, features a rich golden brown and black feather pattern, displaying the breed’s characteristic laced markings. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing process that allowed for vibrant and highly detailed illustrations. The original artwork was drawn by christian förster, a well known animal illustrator of the period. Chromolithographs were made by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and realism in the final print. The intricate shading on the feathers and the bold contrast between the rooster and hen’s plumage highlight the exceptional craftsmanship involved in this artistic technique. Condition summary the print remains in good condition, with well preserved colors and fine details. Some age related toning and visible foxing spots are present along the edges, which is common in prints of this period. The paper remains stable, with minor signs of wear, making this an excellent collectible piece for those interested in antique poultry illustrations or historical agricultural prints. Framing tips to best showcase and protect this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques - use acid free matting to prevent long term deterioration. A soft cream or warm beige mat will complement the natural tones of the print - choose uv protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in a deep walnut, mahogany, or dark oak finish will enhance the rich contrast of the dorking’s feather patterns - float mounting can be used if the original paper edges are to be highlighted, adding a historical and museum quality presentation this lithograph is a beautiful and historically significant representation of one of the most esteemed poultry breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless piece of agricultural artistry. See less