Antique Squirrel & Flying Squirrel Lithographs – Brodtmann after Schinz c.1830
Description
This finely detailed set of two zoological lithographs was produced around 1830 by the Swiss artist and lithographer Karl Joseph Brodtmann, after the work of the naturalist Heinrich Rudolf Schinz. The plates originate from Geïllustreerde Natuurlijke Geschiedenis van Menschen en Dieren (also issued under related natural history titles) and represent an important moment in early 19th-century scientific illustration, when accuracy, taxonomy, and visual elegance were closely aligned.
The first plate is devoted to squirrels (family Sciuridae) and presents several species interacting on a branching tree. Shown are the grey squirrel (Sciurus carolinensis), often known simply as the American grey squirrel; the Eurasian red squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris), historically referred to in Dutch as the “gemeene eekhoorn”; and other regional squirrel varieties depicted feeding on nuts or moving dynamically through the branches. The lively composition highlights characteristic bushy tails, alert expressions, and agile postures, making this plate particularly decorative as well as scientifically informative.
The second plate focuses on gliding and climbing mammals. It includes flying squirrels, recognisable by their extended patagium (gliding membrane), such as the European flying squirrel (Pteromys volans) and the Virginian flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans), also known as the northern flying squirrel. These are shown mid-glide and at rest, clearly illustrating their unique anatomy. Also depicted are the marmot (Marmota marmota), a robust alpine rodent, and the Madagascan aye-aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis), a rare and striking primate often nicknamed the “finger animal” because of its elongated middle finger. The inclusion of the aye-aye reflects early European fascination with exotic fauna from Madagascar.
Together, these plates form a coherent and visually engaging set that appeals to collectors of natural history prints, zoological illustration, and early lithography. They also work exceptionally well in interiors, particularly in libraries, studies, children’s rooms, or nature-inspired spaces, where their combination of charm and scientific heritage adds depth and character.
Condition report:
Overall good antique condition. Light foxing and mild age-related spotting visible, consistent with lithographs from circa 1830. No major tears or losses observed.
Framing tips:
Frame as a matching pair using off-white or soft grey mats and simple black or dark walnut frames. Hanging them side by side enhances their taxonomic and visual relationship.
Keywords:
antique zoological print, squirrel lithograph, flying squirrel print, grey squirrel, red squirrel, flying squirrel, aye-aye, finger animal, marmot, 19th century natural history, Brodtmann lithography, Schinz zoology, scientific illustration, animal prints for interior, antique animal art...
Category
1830s Swiss Antique Frank Lemon Wall Decorations
