Birds · 20th century
€ 288
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition for its age with light age toning to the paper and occasional small spots in the margins. The printed image remains clean and well preserved.
Antique Pintail Duck Lithograph, Northern Pintail Anas Acuta, Sweden 1929
This refined Scandinavian ornithological lithograph depicts the Northern Pintail, scientifically known as Anas acuta (historically also listed as Dafila acuta). The print originates from the distinguished Swedish natural history series Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade, published in Sweden in 1929 by the Stockholm publisher A. Börtzells. This series represents an important example of early twentieth-century Nordic wildlife illustration, combining careful scientific observation with a restrained and harmonious aesthetic characteristic of Scandinavian design.
The Northern Pintail is one of the most elegant species among the dabbling ducks of Europe and the northern hemisphere. Known for its slender body, long neck, and refined profile, the species is particularly admired for its graceful posture and delicate plumage patterns. In this plate the bird is depicted resting on the shoreline, its head turned gently toward its back in a natural preening pose. The artist carefully captures the intricate patterning of the feathers across the wings and flanks, as well as the warm brown tones of the head and the finely speckled breast.
The composition reflects the style typical of scientific bird plates from this period. The bird stands prominently in the foreground, rendered with clarity and precision, while the surrounding landscape remains minimal and understated. This approach allows the viewer to focus on the anatomical characteristics and plumage details of the species. The Latin scientific name appears below the image together with the Swedish name Stjärtand, reinforcing the educational purpose of the series.
Lithography was particularly well suited for ornithological illustration. The technique allowed artists to reproduce subtle tonal transitions and detailed feather textures while maintaining the soft color palette seen throughout the Svenska Fåglar publication. Scandinavian natural history books of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries are highly regarded for this clarity of design and balance between art and science.
Today prints from this series are valued both by collectors of natural history art and by interior designers seeking elegant wildlife imagery with a calm, decorative character. The refined palette and generous margins make the print especially suitable for framing in Scandinavian, coastal, or contemporary interiors.
Condition:
Good condition for its age with light age toning to the paper and occasional small spots in the margins. The printed image remains clean and well preserved.
Framing tips:
This lithograph frames beautifully with a generous ivory or warm off-white mat and a simple walnut, oak, or Scandinavian-style frame. The restrained colors of the print pair well with natural wood finishes and neutral interior palettes.
Technique: Color lithograph
Series: Svenska Fåglar Efter Naturen Och På Sten Ritade
Maker: A. Börtzells, Sweden, 1929
