After Eerelman, Norwegian Horse, 1898, Lithograph

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Antique Norwegian Horse Portrait 1898, Scandinavian Equestrian Lithograph This original antique colour lithograph from 1898 depicts Le Cheval Norwégien, the … Read more Antique Norwegian Horse Portrait 1898, Scandinavian Equestrian Lithograph This original antique colour lithograph from 1898 depicts Le Cheval Norwégien, the Norwegian horse, shown in a dramatic mountainous landscape with waterfalls and rustic architecture. The breed is presented with emphasis on strength, endurance, and sure-footed balance, qualities for which Norwegian horses were long valued in agriculture, transport, and mountainous terrain. The calm side-on stance and natural setting reflect late 19th-century European interest in regional horse breeds and their adaptation to local environments. This sheet is plate No. 31 from the prestigious Belgian equestrian series L’Espèce Chevaline à Travers le Monde. The series was issued as a deluxe loose-leaf publication rather than a bound book and consisted of 40 colour plates in total. Only 150 complete sets were produced, intended for breeders, collectors, and official equestrian institutions, making individual plates scarce and desirable. The lithograph was executed after a painting by Otto Eerelman, one of the most respected European horse painters of the late nineteenth century. Eerelman was known for his anatomical accuracy and dignified, unsentimental portrayal of horses, focusing on breed character and conformation rather than narrative scenes. His work forms an important visual record of Europe’s principal horse breeds at the height of classical breeding culture. On the reverse of the sheet is an original printed note reading: “Espèce Chevaline. Ouvrage contenant 40 planches en couleurs. Édition de la Librairie Néerlandaise à Anvers.” This verso inscription provides contemporary confirmation of the series title, the complete set of plates, and the Antwerp publisher. Issued as a finished loose sheet and intended for framing from the outset, this lithograph appeals to collectors of equestrian and sporting art as well as interior designers seeking atmospheric, landscape-rich horse imagery. The mountainous backdrop and subdued palette make it particularly suitable for country houses, lodges, libraries, and refined modern interiors. This is an original nineteenth-century lithograph, not a reproduction or later print. Condition report: Good condition. Light, even age-related toning and scattered foxing consistent with age. Colours remain warm and well preserved. No folds or hard creases observed. Minor edge wear only. Framing suggestions: Ideal for a dark walnut or natural wood frame with a generous off-white or soft ivory mat. A wide mat enhances the landscape depth and gives the work a calm, museum-quality presence. Technique: Colour lithograph Maker: After Otto Eerelman, Netherlands / Belgium, circa 1898 See less