After Eerelman, Oldenburg Horse, 1898, Lithograph

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Antique Oldenburg Horse Portrait 1898, German Warmblood Equestrian Lithograph This original antique colour lithograph from 1898 depicts No. 23. Le … Read more Antique Oldenburg Horse Portrait 1898, German Warmblood Equestrian Lithograph This original antique colour lithograph from 1898 depicts No. 23. Le Cheval d’Oldenbourg, the Oldenburg horse, one of Germany’s most important and prestigious warmblood breeds. Renowned for its power, size, and elegant movement, the Oldenburg was highly valued in the late nineteenth century for carriage use, cavalry purposes, and refined breeding. The horse is presented in a classical side-on portrait within a wooded landscape, emphasizing strength, balance, and noble presence. This sheet is plate No. 23 from the distinguished Belgian equestrian series L’Espèce Chevaline à Travers le Monde. The series was issued as a deluxe loose-leaf publication rather than as 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 increasingly sought after. The lithograph was executed after a painting by Otto Eerelman, one of the leading European horse painters of the late nineteenth century. Eerelman was admired for his anatomical precision and restrained, dignified portrayals of horses, focusing on ideal conformation and breed character rather than narrative scenes. His work provides 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 offers period 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 both to collectors of equestrian and sporting art and to interior designers seeking refined, timeless horse imagery. The natural landscape setting and rich, subdued palette make it particularly suitable for country houses, libraries, studies, or sophisticated 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 depth of the landscape and gives the work a calm, museum-quality presence. Technique: Colour lithograph Maker: After Otto Eerelman, Netherlands / Belgium, circa 1898 See less