Golden Penciled Chicken, 1888, Lithograph on Paper

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The majestic golden penciled chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this exquisite 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of … Read more The majestic golden penciled chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this exquisite 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of golden penciled chickens, a breed known for its striking feather pattern, refined body shape, and graceful presence. The print, titled goudpellen, 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, showcasing both practical and ornamental breeds that were highly valued in the 19th century. The golden penciled variety is known for its intricate feather markings, especially in the hens, which display an elegant gold and black penciling pattern across their bodies. The roosters are equally impressive, with a rich golden-red hue, an upright stance, and a gracefully arched tail. This breed was admired not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its active and hardy nature, making it a popular choice among poultry enthusiasts in the 19th century. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing technique that allowed for vibrantly detailed and richly colored 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 precision in rendering the feather texture and vibrant golden tones in this lithograph highlights the artistry involved in this 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 beige or warm gold mat will enhance the rich golden hues of the penciled plumage - choose uv protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure - a wooden frame in deep walnut, dark mahogany, or antique gold will complement the warm 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 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