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The Magnificent Golden Polish Chicken - A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph
£205 ($270, €240)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- Not stated
- Size
- 10.6 × 7.9 in (27 × 20 cm)
- Condition
- Good. The print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and sharp details. Some minor age related toning and light foxing spots are visible, particularly along the edges, which is common for lithographs of this period.
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_44037382
- Color
- Printed color
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.
The Magnificent Golden Polish Chicken - A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph
This striking 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of Golden Polish chickens, an ornamental breed known for its extravagant crest of feathers, rich golden plumage, and unique appearance. The print, titled Goudlaken-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 guide to poultry breeding, highlighting both practical and exotic breeds highly valued in the 19th century.
The Polish chicken, also known as the Padua, is an ancient European breed with origins that can be traced back to the Netherlands and Poland. Renowned for its large feathered crest, which completely obscures its eyes, this breed was highly prized for its ornamental value and was often kept in noble estates and decorative poultry collections. The Golden Polish variety, as seen in this lithograph, features an intricate pattern of golden and black feathers, giving it a regal and dramatic appearance. Although primarily an ornamental breed, Polish chickens are also good egg layers, producing white eggs with consistency.
This lithograph was created using chromolithography, a sophisticated 19th century printing process that allowed for vibrant and finely detailed illustrations. The artwork is based on an original drawing by Christian Förster, a respected animal illustrator of the time. Chromolithographs were produced by layering multiple colors, each applied with a separate stone plate, ensuring depth and realism in the final image. The delicate feather patterns and rich golden hues in this print highlight the meticulous craftsmanship involved in this printing process.
Condition Summary
The print remains in very good condition, with well preserved colors and sharp details. Some minor age related toning and light foxing spots are visible, particularly along the edges, which is common for 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 warm beige or light gold mat will enhance the golden 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 a deep walnut, dark mahogany, or antique gold finish will complement the vibrant tones of the print
- Float mounting can be used to highlight the original paper edges, adding a historical and museum quality presentation
This lithograph is an exceptional example of 19th century poultry illustration, capturing the elegance and rarity of one of the most visually striking chicken breeds. Whether displayed in a farmhouse, study, or antique print collection, it remains a timeless and historically significant piece of agricultural art.
