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Large Antique Zoology Poster, Stoat, Weasel, Polecat c.1880
$880 (£660, €780)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1880
- Size
- 25.6 × 33.1 in (65 × 84 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Very good overall. Vivid original colours. Some minor edge wear, occasional small tears at margins, and faint foxing or browning consistent with age, not affecting the central illustrations. The print remains highly suitable for framing.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Mammals
- Reference
- f_45658562
Large Antique Zoology Poster, Stoat, Weasel, Polecat c.1880
Description:
This impressive large antique zoological teaching poster was published circa 1880 by Carl Gerold’s Sohn in Vienna. Measuring approximately 65 x 84 cm, this lithographed plate depicts detailed life-like illustrations of various small European carnivores from the Mustelidae family. The illustrations include:
21 stoat (Mustela erminea) in brown summer coat, shown hunting a bird
22 stoat in full white winter coat (ermine)
22 weasel (Mustela nivalis), shown on a stone wall
23 European polecat (Mustela putorius), depicted in a natural forest setting
These animals are shown in their characteristic habitats with exceptional attention to posture, fur texture, and natural behaviour, making the plate both scientifically valuable and aesthetically appealing. The artwork was created by zoological artist H. Berndorfer and printed by the lithography workshop of Albert Berger in Vienna.
Such educational prints were used in schools and universities around 1900 to teach comparative zoology and natural sciences. Today they are sought after as decorative vintage posters for interiors with a natural history or academic theme, and are ideal for framing in living rooms, libraries, wildlife lodges, or nature museums.
Condition:
Very good overall. Vivid original colours. Some minor edge wear, occasional small tears at margins, and faint foxing or browning consistent with age, not affecting the central illustrations. The print remains highly suitable for framing.
Framing tips:
Due to its large poster format, consider a thin black metal frame or dark wood frame for a museum-style presentation. A neutral off-white mount can enhance its elegant scientific appearance. Ideal as a feature piece above a study desk, in a library, or alongside other zoological or botanical educational prints to create a cohesive and timeless interior display.
