About this sheet
Antique Great Crested Grebe Bird Lithographs Set of 2, Podiceps - 1929
This elegant pair of Scandinavian ornithological lithographs depicts the Great Crested Grebe, one of Europe’s most distinctive freshwater birds. The prints originate from the Swedish natural history series Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade, published in Stockholm in 1929 by A. Börtzells. This series is renowned for its refined combination of scientific accuracy and the understated decorative aesthetic typical of Scandinavian wildlife illustration.
Both prints illustrate Podiceps griseigena, historically known in Swedish as Gråhakedopping and in English as the Red-necked Grebe. The species belongs to the grebe family, a group of highly specialized aquatic birds known for their elegant profiles, diving abilities, and elaborate breeding plumage. The two plates present different stages of the bird’s life, offering both a mature example and a younger bird.
The first plate shows an adult grebe standing upright on a rock near the water’s edge. The posture emphasizes the species’ long neck, distinctive facial markings, and elegant breeding plumage with warm reddish tones along the throat and neck. The artist carefully renders the layered feather structure of the wings and the characteristic lobed feet that allow grebes to propel themselves underwater with remarkable agility.
The second plate depicts a young grebe resting on a rock in the water. Here the plumage appears softer and more subdued, reflecting the juvenile stage of the species. The contrast between the two illustrations offers an instructive view of the bird’s development while maintaining the aesthetic balance typical of the Svenska Fåglar series.
Grebes have long fascinated naturalists because of their graceful swimming, elaborate courtship displays, and specialized anatomy adapted for life on water. Their slender silhouettes and calm presence on lakes and wetlands make them a favorite subject in ornithological illustration.
Printed using fine color lithography, these plates display subtle tonal transitions and delicate feather detailing. The Latin scientific name appears beneath each image together with Swedish descriptive captions, reflecting the scientific purpose of the publication and the strong tradition of natural history education in Scandinavia.
Displayed together, the two lithographs form a harmonious decorative pair with balanced composition and warm ivory paper tones. The set works beautifully in coastal homes, studies, libraries, or Scandinavian-inspired interiors.
These are original color lithographs printed at the time of publication in 1929 and are not later reproductions.
Condition:
Good condition for their age with gentle age toning to the paper and occasional minor spotting in the margins. The images themselves remain clean and well preserved.
Framing tips:
These prints display beautifully as a pair with generous ivory mats and simple walnut, oak, or light Scandinavian-style frames. Hanging them side by side highlights the contrast between adult and juvenile plumage.
