Birds
€ 207
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
for age, with strong colors, minimal age toning, and clean margins. Light central fold as issued in the original publication.
European Bird Eggs Lithographs, Set of Two – Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, 1890s
This exquisite pair of chromolithographs, titled Eier europäischer Vögel I & II (Eggs of European Birds I & II), was published by the Bibliographisches Institut in Leipzig for the 6th edition of Meyers Konversations-Lexikon in the late 19th century. Each print presents a detailed scientific study of bird eggs, rendered with exceptional color accuracy and lithographic precision.
The two plates together form a fascinating visual compendium of avian diversity, displaying dozens of eggs in varying shapes, sizes, and shades—from the speckled browns of ground-nesting species to the delicate blue-greens of arboreal birds. The lithographs beautifully capture the subtle tonal gradations and surface textures that make each egg distinct.
Created at the height of the chromolithographic era, these prints exemplify the meticulous craftsmanship of German scientific illustration of the period. The soft, natural hues and matte surface give the images a painterly quality while preserving the rigorous attention to zoological accuracy that characterized late 19th-century natural history publications.
These lithographs are both educational and decorative, appealing equally to ornithologists, collectors of natural history art, and interior designers seeking elegant, vintage wall décor. When framed side by side, they create a harmonious display that celebrates the beauty and variety of nature through precise scientific art.
Condition: Good for age, with strong colors, minimal age toning, and clean margins. Light central fold as issued in the original publication.
Framing tips: Display as a matching pair in light oak or walnut frames with ivory mats to accentuate the natural tones and fine detailing of the eggs. Ideal for study walls, libraries, or nature-inspired interiors.
Technique: Chromolithography
Maker: Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig, Germany, c. 1890s
