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

Woodpeckers in Harmony: An 1856 Avian Study in a Hand-Coloured Lithograph

About the Item

Title: "Woodpeckers in Harmony: An 1856 Avian Study" Description: This exquisite print, titled "Woodpeckers in Harmony," is a fine example of natural history illustration from the "Book of Worlds," published in 1856. The artwork, likely created by an artist commissioned for the book, showcases four woodpeckers perched on a tree trunk, surrounded by oak leaves and a distant mountainous landscape. The detailed depiction of the birds, with their distinct black, white, and red plumage, highlights the meticulous observation and artistic skill typical of mid-19th-century ornithological art. The print captures the woodpeckers in various poses, emphasizing their natural behavior as they cling to the bark, possibly in search of insects, which adds a dynamic element to the composition. What makes this print particularly interesting is its blend of scientific accuracy and aesthetic appeal, a hallmark of the era's natural history illustrations. In the 1850s, such prints were not only decorative but also educational, serving as valuable resources for studying wildlife before photography became widespread. The "Book of Worlds" aimed to document the diversity of the natural world, and this piece reflects that mission by offering a glimpse into the avian life of the time. The delicate use of color and fine engraving techniques brings out the texture of the birds' feathers and the roughness of the tree bark, while the soft background creates a serene, naturalistic setting. This print is a testament to the 19th-century fascination with nature and the artistry involved in documenting it, making it a cherished piece for collectors of historical wildlife art and those interested in the history of scientific illustration. Condition Report: The print has minor foxing on the edges and slight yellowing of the paper due to age. No tears or significant creases are present, and the colors remain vibrant. The mat board shows light discoloration but is intact. Overall, the piece is in good condition for its age. Framing Tips: Use a forest green or taupe mat board to complement the natural tones of the woodpeckers and tree. A simple wooden frame in a light oak finish would enhance the 1856 aesthetic. Ensure acid-free materials to preserve the print's condition.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 13.71 in (34.8 cm)Width: 10.2 in (25.9 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1863
  • Condition:
    The print has minor foxing on the edges and slight yellowing of the paper due to age. No tears or significant creases are present, and the colors remain vibrant. The mat board shows light discoloration but is intact. Overall, its in good condition.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13836-711stDibs: LU3054345116872

More From This Seller

View All
Global Bird Eggs: An 1857 Study of Avian Diversity - Hand-Coloured Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Global Bird Eggs: An 1857 Study of Avian Diversity" Description: This captivating print, titled "Global Bird Eggs," is a handcoloured lithograph from Carl Hoffmann's "Book o...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Finches and Sparrows: An 1849 Avian Assembly - A Hand-Coloured Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Finches and Sparrows: An 1849 Avian Assembly" Description: This delightful print, titled "Finches and Sparrows," is a detailed illustration from the "Book of Worlds," publis...
Category

Antique 1840s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Graceful Ducks by the Water: An 1857 Avian Portrait
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Graceful Ducks by the Water: An 1857 Avian Portrait" Description: This elegant print, titled "Graceful Ducks by the Water," is a beautiful piece from the "Book of Worlds," p...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Kingfishers in Serenity: An 1852 Riverside Study
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Kingfishers in Serenity: An 1863 Riverside Study" Description: This enchanting print, titled "Kingfishers in Serenity," is a stunning piece from the "Book of Worlds," publis...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

Wigeon Eggs in Nature: An 1863 Study of Avian Reproduction - Lithograph
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Wigeon Eggs in Nature: An 1863 Study of Avian Reproduction" Description: This detailed print, titled "Wigeon Eggs in Nature," is a fascinating piece from the "Book of Worlds...
Category

Antique 1860s Prints

Materials

Paper

Hand-Coloured Lithograph of Eider Ducks by the Sea: An 1863 Coastal Study
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "Eider Ducks by the Sea: An 1863 Coastal Study" Description: This striking print, titled "Eider Ducks by the Sea," is a captivating piece from the "Book of Worlds," published...
Category

Antique 1850s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Ostrich, Oudart, Large Hand Coloured Stone Lithograph, Rare
Located in Norwich, GB
Autruche Habits les deserts brulants de l’Afrique, court Alec use vitesse incroyable, et donne plumes du plus beau duvet. Extremely rare. Issued in the series: Histoire naturelle. Ensemble de 41 planches dessinées par Guerin et Lith. en couleurs par E.F. Noel. Published by Noel aîné, Paris, 1827. Because the work was never formally completed no title-page nor accompanying letterpress for the series was produced, though the title 'Collection d'Animaux' appears in the publisher's 1827 catalogue of plates available for individual purchase (at a franc each, or 75 centimes uncoloured). The images were produced by Paul-Louis Oudart and P. Guerin, both noted as "dessinateurs-naturalistes" at the Jardin du Roi (the Jardin des Plantes...
Category

Antique 1820s French Prints

Materials

Paper

John Gould, H. C. Richter Hand-Coloured Lithograph "Platycercus Flaveolus" Mid 1
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping John Gould, H. C. Richter Hand-Coloured Lithograph "Platycercus Flaveolus" Mid 19thC
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

John Gould, H. C. Richter Hand-Coloured Lithograph "Platycercus Pennantii" Mid 1
Located in Nottingham, GB
In good condition From a private collection Free international shipping John Gould, H. C. Richter Hand-Coloured Lithograph "Platycercus Pennantii" Mid 19thC
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Hans Scherfig Coloured Lithograph - Tiger in the Jungle
By Hans Scherfig
Located in Kastrup, DK
Lithograph in colors: "Tiger in the Jungle". No. 97/300 Visible sheet size: 48 cm x 64 cm. Framed in passe-partout in a silver painted wooden frame: 62 x 78 cm. Signed: Scherfig 19...
Category

Late 20th Century Danish Modern Prints

Materials

Glass, Wood, Paper

1888 Pied Flycatcher, John Gould 'B1804', Magnificent Hand Coloured Lithograph
Located in Norwich, GB
Gould, John and Richard Bowdler Sharpe. The Birds of New Guinea and the Adjacent Papuan Islands. Piezorhynchus Squalmulatus. London, 1875-1888. Paper Size: 380mm x 5...
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Prints

Materials

Paper

1827 Polar Bear, Mammal, Oudart, Large Hand Coloured Stone Lithograph, Rare
Located in Norwich, GB
Our Blanc de la Mer Glaciale  Tres remarquable par sa tete allongee, et sa blancher….  Dimensions: Height: 10.83 in (27.5 cm) Width: 14.57 in (37 cm) Extremely rare.   Is...
Category

Antique 1820s French Prints

Materials

Paper

Recently Viewed

View All