Antique Chromolithographs of Quail, Grouse & Partridge – 19th Century Bird Print
€ 380
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
40.3 × 29.1 cm (15.9 × 11.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12677-92, -93, -94
Condition
Condition report: Very good condition overall. Light toning in margins and faint handling traces consistent with age. Colors remain vivid and well preserved. Plate numbers and scientific names are printed below the images.
About this sheet
Antique Chromolithographs of Quail, Grouse & Partridge – 19th Century Bird Prints This set of three antique chromolithographs presents beautifully detailed studies of game birds, executed in rich natural coloring characteristic of late 19th-century ornithological illustration. Each plate features birds in their natural habitats, rendered with both scientific accuracy and artistic sensitivity.
The first plate depicts the Common Quail (*Coturnix coturnix*), showing a male, a female with chicks, and their grassy environment at sunset. The second plate illustrates the Willow Ptarmigan or Grouse (*Lagopus lagopus*), with a male in winter plumage and two birds in summer coloration, highlighting the striking seasonal variations of the species. The third plate portrays the Red-legged Partridge (*Alectoris rufa*), also known as the Rothuhn, with a male and two females in a lush field setting.
These chromolithographs were produced in Germany, where natural history printing flourished during the second half of the 19th century. The combination of fine draughtsmanship and advanced color printing techniques allowed publishers to capture the vibrancy of bird plumage with a level of fidelity that was revolutionary for the period. Today, they are admired both as scientific documents and as decorative works of art, appealing to collectors of ornithology and lovers of antique prints alike.
Condition report: Very good condition overall. Light toning in margins and faint handling traces consistent with age. Colors remain vivid and well preserved. Plate numbers and scientific names are printed below the images.
Framing tips: Each plate is well-suited to individual framing. A cream or ivory mat with a dark wood or black frame will emphasize the fine details of the birds. For a warmer effect, a gilt frame enhances the natural tones and provides a classic presentation. The three prints can also be arranged as a set in matching frames for a striking wall display.
Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: German natural history illustrator, late 19th century
