Antique Print of a Breton Cow, a French Cattle Breed from Brittany, 1862

About this sheet

Antique Zoological Print – Breton Cow, French Cattle Illustration, 1862

This elegant lithograph, titled *Vache Bretonne* (Breton Cow), presents a fine example of the Breton cattle breed, native to the Brittany region of France. The cow is depicted standing prominently in the foreground of an open pasture, with additional cattle grazing in the distance. The artist has carefully captured the animal’s proportions, musculature, and natural stance, emphasizing both its strength and its adaptability to the rugged Breton landscape.

Executed by A. Riffaut and published by Lemercier in Paris in 1862, this plate formed part of a larger agricultural series that documented French livestock breeds. These lithographs were intended not only for aesthetic appreciation but also for practical use in agricultural science, exhibitions, and breeding programs, reflecting the 19th-century drive to catalogue and improve domestic animal stocks.

The Breton cow was historically admired for its hardiness and versatility. It played an essential role in the agricultural life of Brittany, valued for both milk and draught purposes. The image highlights the balance of elegance and utility that made the breed a cornerstone of rural life in western France.

Condition report: Strong, clear impression with excellent tonal shading. Wide margins preserved. Some minor age toning and faint foxing in the outer margins, well away from the image. Overall very good condition.

Framing tips: A dark wood or walnut frame paired with a cream or soft grey mat will emphasize the tonal contrasts of the lithograph. For a more rustic presentation, an oak frame with a textured mat can complement the agricultural subject and enhance its 19th-century character.

Technique: Lithograph
Maker: Drawn by C. Trayon, lithographed by A. Riffaut – Imprimerie Lemercier, Paris, 1862