Close-ups
1856 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Snails in a Natural Habitat
$180 (£135, €160)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1856
- Size
- 13.7 × 10.2 in (34.8 × 25.9 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The condition is good with clear colors and sharp details preserved. Light age-related toning, typical of a piece over 160 years old. Protected by a small matting cover, the print has small remains of tape in the top, not visible.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Fish and shells
- Reference
- f_42861992
- Color
- Hand colored
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.
1856 Hand-Colored Lithograph of Snails in a Natural Habitat, A Stunning Study of Terrestrial Gastropods and Flora
Description: This exquisite hand-colored lithograph, dated 1856, presents a vibrant and detailed depiction of various snail species within their natural environment. The artist has captured the intricate patterns and colors of the snail shells, contrasting beautifully with the lush greenery, yellow dandelion flowers, and earthy elements of the forest floor. The scene also features a white root vegetable, which adds balance to the composition and highlights the ecological interplay between gastropods and their habitat.
Each element in this piece has been rendered with remarkable precision, showcasing the scientific rigor and artistic elegance typical of 19th-century natural history illustrations. The scene's arrangement is both educational and decorative, appealing to collectors of zoological and botanical art alike.
The lithograph is mounted on a cream-colored mat with subtle green borders, further enhancing its presentation and framing its historical charm.
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Condition Report:
- Colors: The hand-coloring is remarkably well-preserved, with vibrant greens, yellows, and earthy tones retaining their original brilliance.
- Paper: The paper shows light, even toning consistent with its age, adding to its antique character.
- Foxing: A few faint foxing marks are present along the margins but do not intrude upon or distract from the central composition.
- Edges: The edges are clean and sharp, indicating careful preservation over the years.
- Mount: Professionally mounted on a thin cream-colored mat with decorative green borders, ready for framing or display.
