Imperial Austrian and Hungarian Coats of Arms – Antique Print, c.1880
€ 220
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1880
Sheet size
24.2 × 30.5 cm (9.5 × 12.0 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-04380
Condition
Good condition with strong, bright colors and minimal toning. Slight center fold as issued, with no tears or repairs. The plate mark and margins are clean and intact, except for two brown spots in the border, outside the image.
About this sheet
This finely detailed chromolithograph, titled Österreichisch-Ungarische Länderwappen (Coats of Arms of the Austrian-Hungarian Lands), was published around 1880 by the Bibliographisches Institut in Leipzig. It presents the heraldic emblems of the principal states and provinces of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, unified under the grand imperial double-headed eagle at the center—the Kleines Reichswappen von Österreich (Lesser Imperial Arms of Austria).
Each armorial shield is meticulously printed in rich color and gilded detail, representing historical regions such as Bohemia, Moravia, Silesia, Tirol, Galicia, Bukovina, Dalmatia, and Hungary. Above every shield rests an ornate crown corresponding to the title or dignity of the territory—ranging from ducal and royal crowns to the Hungarian Holy Crown of St. Stephen.
The double-headed eagle in the center bears the imperial regalia: sword, orb, and crown, symbolizing the unity of Austria and Hungary within the dual monarchy established in 1867. The composition embodies the political and cultural grandeur of the late Habsburg Empire, celebrating its complex federation of kingdoms and duchies that stretched from the Alps to the Balkans.
This plate was produced for the Meyers Konversations-Lexikon, one of the most comprehensive encyclopedic works of the 19th century, renowned for its high-quality chromolithographic illustrations. The engraving is attributed to H. Ströhl, one of the leading heraldic artists of the period.
Condition report: Good condition with strong, bright colors and minimal toning. Slight center fold as issued, with no tears or repairs. The plate mark and margins are clean and intact, except for two brown spots in the border, outside the image.
Framing tips: Best presented in a gold or dark wood frame with a cream or antique-white mat to enhance the richness of the heraldic colors and gold accents. Floating mount recommended to display the full margins and title.
Technique: Chromolithograph on thick wove paper Maker: H. Ströhl / Bibliographisches Institut, Leipzig, circa 1880
