The Elegant Langshan - A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph

The Elegant Minorca A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph This exquisite 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair of Minorca chickens, a Mediterranean breed known for its striking black plumage, large comb, and excellent egg laying capabilities. The print, titled Minorka’s, originates from Geïllustreerd Hoenderboek, an Illustrated Poultry Book published in 1888 by Elsevier. Compiled by Julius Volschau and adapted for Dutch readers by Dr. A. C. Oudemans Jzn., this book provided a detailed account of poultry breeding and care, reflecting the growing interest in high quality egg producing breeds during the 19th century. Minorcas, named after the Spanish island of Menorca, are among the most productive of the Mediterranean breeds, known for their ability to lay large white eggs. They were introduced to England in the late 18th century and became highly popular across Europe due to their hardiness and prolific egg production. The breed is characterized by its sleek black feathers, bright red comb and wattles, and distinctive white earlobes, which contrast beautifully against its dark plumage. The Minorca rooster stands tall with an upright posture, while the hen maintains a graceful and refined stance. This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a 19th century printing process that allowed for vibrant and detailed color reproduction. The illustration is based on an original drawing by Christian Förster, a well known animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithographs were produced by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and realism in the final image. The lustrous sheen of the Minorca’s feathers and the intricate shading on the comb and wattles highlight the meticulous craftsmanship involved in this artistic technique. Condition Summary The print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and sharp details. Some minor age related toning and slight foxing spots can be seen along the edges, which is common in lithographs of this period. The paper is stable with only minimal signs of wear, making this an excellent collectible piece for antique poultry print...

The Elegant Black Bantams A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph This striking 19th-century chromolithograph, titled Zwarte Bantams, showcases a group of black bantam chickens in ...

The Elegant White Cochinchina A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph This striking 19th century chromolithograph presents a pair of White Cochinchina chickens, a majestic breed ad...

The Elegant Andalusian Chicken - A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph This stunning 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of Andalusian chickens, a striking Mediterranea...

19th century lithograph by C.G. Grehen Depicting Yacht "Julia" built by George Steers. Hand-painted by W. Marsh Esq. and dedicated to James M. Waterbury Esq.

A striking French lithograph originally conceived by the 18th century painter Fragonard, reimagined in the 19th century by engraver Mathieu Barathier. Titled “Le Recit” which transla...

A pair of framed prints of 19th century lithographs, Belgium, circa 1870. The two prints depict five different peaches; the first Alexander and R...

This is a lithograph of John Forsyth, who was the 13th Secretary of State of the United States, serving under both Andrew Jackson and Martin Van Buren. It is most likely from the ...