Birds
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Well-preserved chromolithograph with strong color and minimal wear. Some light foxing present in the outer margins but not affecting the image. Paper remains stable and edges are intact.
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 bassanus) perched on a grassy cliff edge above a crashing sea. The print presents the birds in various life stages: a fluffy white chick, a dark-speckled juvenile, and a striking adult with pristine white plumage, black-tipped wings, and a soft golden-yellow crown. Behind them, dramatic cliffs rise into the sky as flocks of seabirds circle above the roiling waves, while a gentle sunset bathes the horizon in soft orange and green tones.
The scene is both scientifically informative and artistically evocative. The birds are accurately depicted in terms of anatomical detail and behavior, yet the composition has a poetic quality that reflects the 19th-century fascination with the grandeur of nature. The chromolithographic technique—where colors were layered stone by stone—renders each feather and shadow with clarity and richness, allowing for deep gradients and striking contrasts. The effect is especially powerful in the blend of ocean waves, distant birds, and the wind-swept coastal environment.
This plate is signed by Bruno Geisler, a notable German bird illustrator of the late 19th century who contributed significantly to ornithological publications. His work was closely aligned with the natural history traditions established by earlier figures like Johann Friedrich Naumann, and he often collaborated on encyclopedic works dedicated to avifauna. This print likely comes from a German ornithological series published in the late 1800s or early 1900s.
Perfect for collectors of antique bird prints or lovers of maritime and coastal imagery, this print combines decorative appeal with historical and zoological value.
Condition:
Well-preserved chromolithograph with strong color and minimal wear. Some light foxing present in the outer margins but not affecting the image. Paper remains stable and edges are intact.
Framing tips:
Frame with a warm natural wood or matte black frame and a soft ivory or sand-colored mat to echo the tones of the sky and cliffs. Consider museum glass to protect the delicate surface and enhance visual clarity.
