Birds · 20th century
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
General age-related toning. Minor wear and foxing, blank verso. Good condition with light age spotting in the margins. Please study image carefully.
Great Egret by E. de Maes, Antique Bird Lithograph Herodias alba c.1900
This elegant chromolithograph, printed circa 1900, features a stunning depiction of the *Herodias alba* (now commonly referred to as *Ardea alba*), the Great Egret, known in German as "Grosser Silberreiher." The scene captures two specimens in a lush, riverside setting: an older male in full breeding plumage stands prominently in the foreground, while a younger female is perched among reeds in the background.
The illustration is signed in the plate by E. de Maes, a skilled artist known for his contribution to natural history illustration at the turn of the 20th century. His rendering of the plumage is particularly fine, with delicate, feathery textures in the egret’s elongated back plumes and subtle shading that gives a soft luminosity to the bird’s pristine white feathers.
The landscape evokes a peaceful marshland or riparian woodland. Gentle greens and earthy tones frame the white birds without overwhelming them, allowing their grace and poise to remain the focal point. The water, stones, reeds, and surrounding foliage are rendered with clarity and restraint, creating an atmospheric backdrop that elevates the composition into a harmonious natural scene.
Chromolithography, a popular method of color reproduction during this period, was labor-intensive but yielded rich, precise results. Multiple stones were used to achieve nuanced tonal variation, giving this print its lifelike quality and soft pastel transitions.
This plate likely came from a high-quality German ornithological series or bird compendium. Such prints were used not only for academic and reference purposes but also served as decorative artworks in libraries, salons, and the homes of naturalists.
Condition and framing tips:
Very good condition with minor foxing to margins. Frame in a gold or light wood frame with a pale cream or moss green mat to complement the soft tones of the egret and its tranquil riverside environment. Ideal for classic interiors.
