Sumatran Hare – Lepus Netscheri Schlegel, 19th Century Antique Lithograph

About this sheet

Antique 19th Century Lithograph of Sumatran Hare – Lepus Netscheri Schlegel
This beautifully detailed original lithograph depicts the Sumatran hare, scientifically named *Lepus Netscheri Schlegel*, from the 19th-century Dutch zoological exploration of Sumatra. The illustration is titled Midden-Sumatra IV.1 Mammalia, indicating its publication within the influential natural history series documenting the flora and fauna of central Sumatra.

Drawn and lithographed by F. Verster and printed by P.W\.M. Trap, this print exemplifies the precise yet artistic approach of Dutch naturalists and illustrators working under the supervision of noted zoologists such as Hermann Schlegel, who first described many of Indonesia’s endemic species. The lithograph shows the hare with its distinctive striped brown and black fur in a running posture, set against a lightly colored mountainous landscape background typical of Sumatra’s terrain.

Such illustrations were part of the comprehensive Dutch colonial scientific surveys carried out in the late 1800s, combining ethnography, zoology, and botany to document the natural wealth of the East Indies. Today these prints are prized both for their scientific significance and their decorative quality, suitable for collectors of Southeast Asian natural history, zoological illustration, or colonial-era exploration art.

Condition report:
The print is in very good condition with strong original coloring and clear plate marks. Minor age toning and a few small handling spots are visible in the margin but do not affect the image. The paper remains crisp with no tears or repairs.

Framing tips:
This lithograph will display elegantly in a dark wood or black frame with a gold inner edge to complement its fine tonal detail. A cream or pale sage-green mat will highlight the natural hues and enhance its refined presentation in a study, library, or natural history-themed interior. Let me know if you want a value assessment for your records and listing strategy.