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Bitterns in Reeds – Antique 19th Century Bird Chromolithograph of Little Bittern

About the Item

Bitterns in Reeds – Antique 19th Century Bird Chromolithograph of Little Bittern This exquisite 19th-century chromolithograph features three Little Bitterns (Ixobrychus minutus), shown in a lush wetland setting among tall reeds beside calm water. The male, female, and a juvenile are depicted in lifelike detail and natural postures—climbing, perching, and stalking through the dense vegetation—evoking the quiet stealth of this elusive species. The male at the top is easily identified by his contrasting black back and crown, cream underparts, and slender yellow bill. The female, shown to the left, is more warmly brown with streaked markings, adapted for better camouflage. The juvenile, lower right, displays the beginning of those adult traits while still showing immature plumage and proportions. Native to wetlands across Europe, North Africa, and western Asia, the Little Bittern is one of the smallest heron species, known for its shy nature and its ability to disappear into reeds with remarkable ease. This print captures both the bird’s anatomy and habitat with great care, showcasing not just ornithological accuracy but also a strong compositional elegance. Produced using chromolithography, a highly refined color printing method of the 19th century, the image offers exceptional tonal depth and color layering. Each plate required several stones—each with a different ink—to achieve this level of complexity and beauty. The print is signed with the initials of the artist, A.G., likely referring to Anton Goering or another accomplished illustrator from the German ornithological tradition inspired by Johann Friedrich Naumann. Such works were part of scientific publications intended for collectors, educators, and nature enthusiasts and remain prized for their historical, artistic, and decorative value. Condition: Good condition with clean image area and vivid original coloring. Slight scattered foxing visible in the outer margins, but paper remains stable with no tears or folds. Framing tips: Frame with a light olive, cream, or soft grey mat to echo the natural greens of the reeds. Use a natural wood or dark gold frame for a classic look. UV-resistant glass is recommended to preserve color integrity.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 11.42 in (29 cm)Width: 15.75 in (40 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper
  • Period:
    Late 19th Century
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Good condition with clean image area and vivid original coloring. Slight scattered foxing visible in the outer margins, but paper remains stable with no tears or folds.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-12677-1011stDibs: LU3054345312062

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