Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Game Birds & Bustard, 1816, Lithograph

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Antique Game Birds & Bustard Lithograph by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, 1816 This elegant early 19th-century hand-colored lithograph by the celebrated … Read more Antique Game Birds & Bustard Lithograph by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, 1816 This elegant early 19th-century hand-colored lithograph by the celebrated Swiss natural history artist Karl Joseph Brodtmann depicts three distinguished game birds rendered with remarkable refinement and scientific precision. Produced in 1816, the print reflects the fascination with ornithology, hunting culture, and natural history that characterized the Enlightenment and Romantic periods. The composition features the black grouse (“Crax alector”), the capercaillie (“Tetrao urogallus”), and the great bustard (“Otis tarda”), each carefully isolated against a softly toned cream background. The spacious arrangement and restrained use of landscape create a beautifully balanced composition that feels surprisingly modern in its simplicity. The elegant proportions of the birds and the subtle detailing of their plumage give the sheet exceptional decorative sophistication. Karl Joseph Brodtmann was among the pioneering masters of natural history lithography in Europe and remains admired for his refined combination of scientific accuracy and artistic elegance. His works possess a calm museum-like quality that distinguishes them from many more densely composed ornithological illustrations of the period. The soft hand coloring and atmospheric aged paper tones are particularly attractive in this example. Game bird subjects have long been associated with aristocratic hunting culture, country estates, and sporting traditions, making them especially desirable for traditional interiors and collector spaces. The varied forms and plumage of the three birds create visual contrast while maintaining an understated harmony that works beautifully in refined interiors. This lithograph is particularly suitable for libraries, studies, country houses, hunting lodge interiors, gentleman’s clubs, dark academia spaces, Scandinavian-style interiors, and sophisticated gallery walls focused on natural history and sporting themes. The visual presentation matters enormously with this piece. Framed in dark walnut with wide oatmeal matting, the lithograph takes on a rich scholarly appearance with warmth and depth. Black lacquer or lightly gilt frames also complement the muted palette beautifully while maintaining a more contemporary gallery-like aesthetic. The print is an original antique lithograph from 1816, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale with the original. Condition report: Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and minor marginal wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive and well preserved. Framing tips: This lithograph displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames paired with a wide ivory or oatmeal mat. Its refined ornithological subject and warm muted palette make it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, country interiors, gentleman’s clubs, hunting lodges, or sophisticated gallery walls. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Switzerland, 1816 See less