European Bird Eggs Lithographs, Set of Two – Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, 1890s
€ 207
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Mapmaker / artist
Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig, Germany, c. 1890s
Technique
Chromolithography
Sheet size
31 × 24.5 cm (12.2 × 9.6 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-03835, BG-03842
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
For age, with strong colors, minimal age toning, and clean margins. Light central fold as issued in the original publication.
About this sheet
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.
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.
