Birds · 20th century
€ 449
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
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.
Antique Great Crested Grebe Bird Lithographs Set of 2, Sweden Ornithology 1929
This elegant pair of Scandinavian ornithological lithographs depicts the Great Crested Grebe, one of Europe’s most distinctive freshwater diving birds. The prints originate from the Swedish natural history publication Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade, issued in Stockholm in 1929 by the publisher A. Börtzells. The series represents one of the finest examples of early twentieth-century Nordic wildlife illustration, combining scientific accuracy with the restrained and balanced aesthetic typical of Scandinavian natural history art.
The species illustrated is Podiceps cristatus, commonly known as the Great Crested Grebe. These birds are famous for their graceful silhouettes, elegant necks, and elaborate breeding displays on European lakes and wetlands. In English the species is widely known as the Great Crested Grebe, while the Swedish caption beneath the images reads Skäggdopping.
The two lithographs present different stages of the bird’s life cycle. One plate illustrates a juvenile Great Crested Grebe swimming in the water. The young bird displays the characteristic striped head pattern and softer plumage typical of immature birds. The artist carefully renders the delicate feather textures and the streamlined body that allows the species to move effortlessly through the water.
The second plate shows an adult Great Crested Grebe in breeding plumage resting on a rock. This form is instantly recognizable by the striking chestnut and black ruff and crest around the head and neck, a feature that gives the species its English name. The fine detailing of the feathers and the calm natural setting reflect the careful observational approach of Scandinavian ornithological illustration.
Grebes are specialized aquatic birds perfectly adapted for life on lakes and wetlands. Their lobed toes and rear-placed legs make them exceptional divers, allowing them to pursue fish underwater with remarkable agility. The Great Crested Grebe in particular has long fascinated naturalists and birdwatchers for its elegant appearance and elaborate courtship rituals.
Printed using high-quality color lithography, these plates show delicate tonal transitions and remarkable clarity in the feather patterns. The Latin scientific names appear beneath the illustrations together with Swedish descriptive captions, reflecting the scientific purpose of the publication.
Displayed together, the two prints form a refined decorative pair. The subtle tones of the birds contrast beautifully with the warm ivory paper, making them ideal for coastal interiors, Scandinavian-style homes, studies, or natural history collections.
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 light age toning to the paper and occasional small spots in the margins. The printed images remain clean and well preserved.
Framing tips:
These prints frame beautifully as a pair with generous ivory mats and walnut, oak, or light Scandinavian frames. Hanging them side by side highlights the contrast between juvenile and adult plumage.
Technique: Color lithograph
Maker: A. Börtzells, Stockholm, Sweden, 1929
