Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Antique Bird Print of Gulls on Rocky Coastline, 19th Century Seabirds

About the Item

Antique Bird Print of Gulls on Rocky Coastline, 19th Century Seabirds This elegant 19th-century ornithological print features two species of gulls—Larus canus (Common Gull) and Larus argentatus (Herring Gull)—depicted in their summer plumage. The scene captures the birds standing on a rocky shoreline at dusk, with soft pink and blue hues painting the sky and reflecting across the calm water. The carefully rendered plumage, from the delicate layering of feathers to the subtle contrast between white underparts and grey wings, showcases both scientific accuracy and artistic sensitivity. The print comes from a later 19th-century German ornithological series, likely associated with the tradition of detailed bird studies stemming from the influence of Johann Friedrich Naumann. Naumann, a pioneering German ornithologist, played a central role in establishing bird study in Central Europe and inspired a generation of artists and naturalists who continued his legacy through richly illustrated field guides. This particular plate was produced using chromolithography, a technique that allowed for brilliant, nuanced coloration by printing with multiple stones, each inked in a different shade. The result is a lifelike and richly textured portrayal, not only capturing the likeness of the birds but also evoking the natural environment they inhabit. Prints such as this one served a dual purpose: as important scientific documents for ornithologists and collectors, and as decorative items for the cultured 19th-century interior. The serene coastal setting and precise detail make this work ideal for lovers of seabirds, antique scientific illustration, or coastal-themed decor. Condition: Well-preserved print with strong original colors and clean margins. Very minor age toning at the edges but no stains, folds, or tears. Chromolithographic detail remains sharp and vibrant. Framing tips: Best framed with a light grey, ivory, or pale blue mat to complement the cool coastal tones. A natural wood or silver-toned frame will enhance its vintage feel while keeping the focus on the birds and seascape. Use UV-protective glass.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Well-preserved print with strong original colors and clean margins. Very minor age toning at the edges but no stains, folds, or tears. Chromolithographic detail remains sharp and vibrant.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-12677-1091stDibs: LU3054345310792

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Bird Print of Northern Fulmar at Sea, 19th Century Seabird Illustration
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Bird Print of Northern Fulmar at Sea, 19th Century Seabird Illustration This atmospheric 19th-century chromolithograph features a Northern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis), shown...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of a Chinese Cormorant on a Rocky Shoreline
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Le l'Ouwa ou L'Oiseau Pescheur, avec la Maniere de Pecher, tire de Nieuhof'. Original engraved print of a Chinese cormorant. he cormorant is depicted at centre, perched on a rocky shoreline near the ocean. In the background, a walled Chinese city...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 3 Antique Bird Prints of various Wading Birds and Seabirds (c.1850)
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of three antique bird prints titled 'Le Becasseau - Le Chevalier - La Perdrix de Mer - L'Alouette de Mer' - 'Le Butor - La Spatule - La Barge Rousse - La Bécassine' - 'Le Fou de ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of the Ivory Gull, 1929
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Pagophila Eburnea'. Old bird print depicting the Ivory Gull. This print originates from 'Svenska Foglar Efter Naturen Och Pa Stenritade' by Magnus von Wright. Artists and Engravers: Printed in Stockholm. Magnus von Wright (1805 - 68) was the first taxidermist working with the vertebrate collections of Helsinki University. Starting out as a taxidermist in the 1820's, he stuffed birds for Societas pro Flora et Fauna Fennica, the oldest scientific society in Finland, and in 1845, became taxidermist at the university's zoological museum. Von Wright made several study journeys to Stockholm and St. Petersburg, and even wrote a short manual on how mount birds. Though a skilful taxidermist, his reputation, like that of his two brothers, Wilhelm and Ferdinand, rests on his skill as a zoological illustrator. In 1859 he published the first handbook on Finnish birds...
Category

20th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of Northern Gannets on Cliffside at Sunset, 19th Century
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Bird Print of Northern Gannets on Cliffside at Sunset, 19th Century This beautifully composed 19th-century chromolithograph captures a trio of Northern Gannets (Morus bassan...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Bird Print of the Seabird Named Dusky Shearwater by Gould, 1832
By John Gould
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique bird print titled 'Dusky Shearwater'. Old bird print depicting the dusky shearwater. This print originates from 'Birds of Europe' by J. Gould (1832-1837). Audubon's shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri) is a common tropical seabird in the petrel family. Sometimes known as the dusky-backed shearwater, the specific epithet honours the French naturalist Félix Louis L...
Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
By John Gould
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteen...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr. John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881)...
Category

Antique 19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
By John Gould
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr. John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) w...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr. John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) w...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

19th Century Bird Print - One of 24
By John Gould
Located in Atlanta, GA
Mr John Gould's tropical framed Bird prints 1955 taken from his limited edition of 1000. The most celebrated British ornithologist of the nineteenth-century John Gould (1804-1881) ...
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Prints

Materials

Glass, Paper

Recently Viewed

View All