The Elegant Chamois Polish Chicken - A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph

The Elegant Chamois Polish Chicken A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph

This exquisite 19th century chromolithograph showcases a pair of Chamois Polish chickens, an ornamental breed renowned for its magnificent feather crest, delicate golden laced plumage, and graceful appearance. The print, titled Chamois-Padua’s, originates from Geïllustreerd Hoenderboek, an Illustrated Poultry Book published in 1888 by Elsevier. Compiled by Julius Volschau and adapted for Dutch readers by Dr. A. C. Oudemans Jzn., this book provided an in-depth study of poultry breeding, featuring both productive and decorative breeds highly valued in the 19th century.

The Polish, also known as Padua, is an ancient European breed with origins that can be traced back to the Netherlands and Poland. It is best known for its large, ornamental crest, which nearly obscures its eyes, giving it a regal and almost theatrical appearance. The Chamois Polish variety, as seen in this lithograph, is one of the most striking color variations, featuring a warm golden buff plumage with delicate white lacing. Though primarily kept for ornamental purposes, Polish chickens are also steady layers of white eggs and were historically admired in noble estates and poultry exhibitions.

This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing process that allowed for richly detailed and vibrantly colored illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by Christian Förster, a skilled animal illustrator of the period. Chromolithographs were made by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and precision in the final print. The detailed rendering of the Chamois Polish’s intricate feather pattern and soft golden tones in this lithograph highlights the craftsmanship involved in this technique.

Condition Summary

The print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and intricate details. Some minor age related toning and light foxing spots are visible, particularly along the edges, which is common in lithographs of this period. The paper remains stable, with minimal signs of wear, making this an excellent collectible piece for antique poultry print enthusiasts and historical agricultural collectors.

Framing Tips

To best preserve and display this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques

- Use acid free matting to prevent long term deterioration. A soft beige or light gold mat will enhance the warm chamois hues of the Polish chicken’s plumage

- Choose UV protective glass to safeguard the colors from fading due to light exposure

- A wooden frame in deep walnut, dark mahogany, or antique gold will complement the rich warm tones of the print

- Float mounting can be used if the original paper edges are to be highlighted, adding a historical and museum quality presentation

This lithograph is an outstanding example of 19th century poultry illustration, capturing the elegance and rarity of one of the most visually stunning chicken breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art.