1846 Waxwing - Rare Hand-Colored Lithograph from Hoffmann's Book of the World
€ 190
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1846
Sheet size
26 × 19.8 cm (10.2 × 7.8 in)
Reference
BG-13535-10
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.
Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.
Condition
Good, given age. Light foxing, soilng and creasing. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
About this sheet
This 1846 hand-colored lithograph beautifully illustrates a Waxwing, a bird renowned for its distinctive crested head and sleek plumage. The delicate shades of brown, black, yellow, and red are carefully hand-applied, capturing the bird’s soft feathers and unique markings, including the bright tips of its wings and tail. The lithograph comes from Carl Hoffmann's Book of the World, a 19th-century publication known for its meticulous representation of rare birds and other natural subjects.
Perched gracefully on a tree stump, surrounded by simple foliage, the Waxwing is rendered with remarkable precision and clarity. The bird’s signature crest and subtle color gradations are a testament to the skill of the artist. This old print is a rare find, representing both an artistic masterpiece and an important contribution to ornithological studies of the period. The combination of scientific detail and aesthetic appeal makes this lithograph a prized piece of natural history illustration.
