Antique Lithograph of White-throated Fantail by Keulemans, Sumatra c.1887
€ 190
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1887
Sheet size
26 × 18 cm (10.2 × 7.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13029-1-3
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
The print is in very good condition with bright original coloring. There is minor age toning and a small crease to the lower right margin, not affecting the image. The paper remains crisp with no tears or repairs.
About this sheet
Antique Lithograph of White-throated Fantail by Keulemans, Sumatra c.1880
This elegant antique lithograph depicts the White-throated Fantail (Rhipidura vidua Schleg.) from the zoological exploration of Midden-Sumatra (Central Sumatra) in the late 19th century. The plate is titled Midden-Sumatra IV.1 Aves Pl. II. and was drawn and lithographed by J.G. Keulemans, one of the most renowned ornithological artists of the 19th century, with printing by P.W\.M. Trap.
The illustration shows the fantail perched gracefully on a branch with slender green leaves. Its characteristic long tail with white tips, blackish-gray plumage, and white throat are captured with exceptional accuracy and delicate hand coloring, typical of Keulemans’ meticulous style. The species was classified by Hermann Schlegel, a leading Dutch zoologist, and this print forms part of the scientific documentation produced during Dutch colonial natural history expeditions to Indonesia.
These prints are valued not only for their scientific importance but also for their artistic quality, representing a unique combination of ornithological observation and refined 19th-century illustration techniques. They remain highly sought after by collectors of antique bird prints, Southeast Asian natural history, and works by Keulemans.
Condition report: The print is in very good condition with bright original coloring. There is minor age toning and a small crease to the lower right margin, not affecting the image. The paper remains crisp with no tears or repairs.
Framing tips: This lithograph will display beautifully in a dark wood or black frame with a gold inner edge to emphasize the bird’s elegant plumage. Pair with a cream or warm gray mat for an understated yet refined presentation suitable for libraries, studies, or natural history-themed gallery arrangements.
