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Scandinavian Brown Trout Forms: Exquisite Hand-Colored Lithograph, 1895
£235 ($315, €280)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1895
- Size
- 13 × 10.6 in (33 × 27 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Condition summary: Very good condition with vivid coloring and minimal age-related toning. Light margin discoloration typical for its age.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Fish and shells
- Reference
- f_44164632
- 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.
Title: Scandinavian Brown Trout Forms: Exquisite Hand-Colored Lithograph
Description:
This beautifully detailed lithograph from the Pisces Scandinaviae series showcases three distinct forms of the brown trout (Salmo salar forma trutta), meticulously illustrated to capture both scientific accuracy and aesthetic grace. Produced in the 19th century, this print represents the peak of natural history illustration, where art and science merge to create timeless works of beauty.
The three forms depicted in this print demonstrate the subtle differences found within the species. The first trout, illustrated with a silver-gray body and dense black speckling, reflects the typical appearance of river-dwelling trout, known for their adaptive coloration in clear, fast-moving waters. The second form shows a more reddish hue with evenly spaced dark spots, highlighting the trout's striking appearance during spawning periods. The third trout is characterized by a more uniform olive tone, speckled with dark, rounded spots that blend harmoniously with its surroundings.
The artist, V.C.E. Björncrants, and W. v. Wright, both skilled naturalists and illustrators, have used hand-colored lithography to breathe life into the fish, emphasizing texture and subtle variations in scale patterns. This technique involved printing a lithographic base image, followed by meticulous hand-coloring, where watercolors were carefully applied to achieve realistic hues and shading. The quality of the coloring and the precision of the linework underscore the dedication of the artists to both scientific accuracy and artistic presentation.
The print’s refined and elegant composition, with each fish carefully positioned to emphasize its unique characteristics, allows viewers to appreciate the diversity within the brown trout species. The harmonious color palette, ranging from soft grays to deeper earth tones, is enhanced by the clean, unadorned background, giving the fish a floating, almost ethereal presence.
This print is not only a scientific documentation of trout diversity but also a captivating piece of visual art that would complement any natural history collection or sophisticated interior. It embodies the Victorian passion for cataloging the natural world while celebrating its inherent beauty through art.
Condition summary: The print is in very good condition with vivid and well-preserved coloring. Minor toning around the margins typical of its age.
Framing tips: Choose a dark or natural wood frame to complement the earthy tones of the fish, and use a neutral mat to enhance contrast. UV-protective glass is recommended to maintain color vibrancy.
