The White Italian Chicken, 1888, Lithograph, Print

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The elegant white italian chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of … Read more The elegant white italian chicken a rare 19th century poultry lithograph this striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of white italian chickens, an early representation of what is now known as the white leghorn, a breed celebrated for its sleek appearance, high energy, and exceptional egg laying ability. The print, titled witte italianen, 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 a comprehensive study of poultry breeding, featuring both productive and ornamental breeds highly valued in the 19th century. The white italian, or white leghorn, is one of the most famous chicken breeds in the world, originating from the mediterranean region, particularly italy. Known for its remarkable laying capacity, this breed became the foundation of modern commercial egg production. The birds depicted in this lithograph showcase the classic features of the breed, including a slender frame, pure white plumage, long flowing tail feathers, and a bright red comb. The rooster stands proudly with an upright posture, while the hen appears more compact but equally refined, exuding an air of alertness and activity. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing process that allowed for richly detailed and vibrantly 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 white italian’s smooth feather texture and luminous white tones in this lithograph highlights the craftsmanship 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 cream or warm beige mat will enhance the pure white plumage of the white italian chickens - 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 classic 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 influential chicken breeds in history. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art. See less