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Antique Game Birds Lithograph by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, 1816
£415 ($550, €490)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1816
- Size
- 16.5 × 13.4 in (42 × 34.1 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and minor marginal wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive and well preserved.
- Period
- Early 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_50191442
Antique Game Birds Lithograph by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, 1816
This elegant early 19th-century hand-colored lithograph by the celebrated Swiss natural history artist Karl Joseph Brodtmann depicts three species of European game birds rendered with remarkable delicacy and refinement. Produced in 1816, the print reflects the scientific curiosity and appreciation for wildlife that characterized the Enlightenment and Romantic periods.
The composition features the hazel grouse (“Tetrao bonasia”), the ptarmigan (“Tetrao lagopus”), and the grey partridge (“Perdix cinerea”), each carefully isolated against a softly toned cream background. The spacious arrangement and restrained use of landscape create an unusually refined and modern appearance, allowing the viewer to focus on the subtle plumage patterns and elegant forms of the birds.
Karl Joseph Brodtmann was among the pioneering masters of natural history lithography in Europe and remains admired for his ability to combine scientific precision with decorative elegance. His zoological plates possess a quiet sophistication that distinguishes them from many more heavily composed ornithological works of the period. The muted palette of soft greys, warm browns, sage greens, and creamy paper tones gives this sheet exceptional atmospheric quality.
Game bird subjects are particularly attractive for country house interiors, hunting lodge decoration, and traditional library settings. This lithograph possesses a calm and understated beauty that works equally well in both classic and contemporary interiors. The large amount of negative space creates a museum-like presentation that becomes especially striking once professionally framed.
The visual presentation matters enormously with this piece. Framed in dark walnut with wide oatmeal matting, the lithograph takes on a rich scholarly character with warmth and depth. Black lacquer or lightly gilt frames also complement the muted coloration beautifully and give the piece a more contemporary gallery-like appearance.
This print works exceptionally well in libraries, studies, country houses, hunting lodge interiors, gentleman’s clubs, dark academia spaces, Scandinavian-style interiors, or curated gallery walls focused on natural history and sporting themes.
The print is an original antique lithograph from 1816, 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 with the original.
Condition report:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, scattered foxing, and minor marginal wear consistent with age. Original hand coloring remains attractive and well preserved.
Framing tips:
This lithograph displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, black lacquer, or lightly gilt frames paired with a wide ivory or oatmeal mat. Its refined ornithological subject and warm muted palette make it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, country interiors, gentleman’s clubs, hunting lodges, or sophisticated gallery walls.
Technique: Hand-colored lithograph
Maker: Karl Joseph Brodtmann, Switzerland, 1816
