Mammals · 19th century
€ 595
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Age-related toning, occasional scattered foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive and vibrant. Overall in good antique condition with strong decorative appeal.
A charming and beautifully hand-colored antique lithograph titled The Young Master’s Favorites (German: Die Günstlinge des jungen Herrn), created by the celebrated Swiss artist and lithographer Karl Joseph Brodtmann around 1827. This delightful stable scene combines refined equestrian imagery with the warmth and sentimentality characteristic of early 19th-century Romantic animal art.
The composition centers around a magnificent chestnut horse standing calmly within an elegant stable interior while a young boy affectionately feeds the animal by hand. Two attentive dogs complete the foreground scene, adding both narrative charm and domestic intimacy, while additional horses and stable figures appear in the softly rendered background. The image beautifully captures the close emotional relationship between humans and animals, a theme highly appreciated during the Romantic period.
Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787–1862) was among the most respected Swiss lithographers and illustrators of the 19th century. He became internationally known for his refined natural history and animal illustrations, many of which appeared in important zoological and educational publications. Brodtmann’s works are admired for their precise draftsmanship, elegant compositions, and exceptionally subtle hand coloring.
This print likely originates from one of Brodtmann’s major natural history or animal-themed publications issued in Frankfurt during the 1820s. The multilingual title beneath the image reflects the international market for finely printed lithographs during the period, with captions presented in English, German, French, and Dutch.
The soft hand coloring and refined lithographic shading create a highly decorative composition with a warm and timeless atmosphere. The elegant stable architecture, rich chestnut horse, and delicate figures make this work particularly appealing for equestrian collectors, country house interiors, libraries, children’s rooms, or sophisticated sporting collections.
Today, original Brodtmann lithographs are highly sought after by collectors of equestrian art, natural history prints, Romantic animal imagery, and early European lithography. This example combines decorative beauty with historical charm and remains highly suitable for both traditional and contemporary interiors.
This is an original antique print, not a reproduction. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The piece is sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Keywords: Karl Joseph Brodtmann, antique horse print, stable scene, equestrian lithograph, hand-colored lithograph, horse stable, chestnut horse, antique animal print, Romantic animal art, Swiss lithography, natural history print, sporting art, horse and dogs, 19th century lithograph, Brodtmann horse print, antique stable interior, equestrian decor, horse lover gift, country house art, antique sporting print
Condition:
Age-related toning, occasional scattered foxing, and minor edge wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive and vibrant. Overall in good antique condition with strong decorative appeal.
Framing Tips:
This lithograph displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, mahogany, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames paired with a wide ivory or oatmeal mat. Its warm palette and charming equestrian subject make it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, country houses, children’s rooms, riding clubs, or elegant sporting interiors.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Switzerland / Frankfurt, circa 1827
