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The Majestic Golden Cochinchina: 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. This print has aged gracefully, showcasing well preserved colors and fine detail. Some natural toning of the paper may be present, consistent with its age.
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_44033082
- Colour
- Printed colour
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 Majestic Golden Cochinchina A Rare 19th Century Poultry Lithograph
This exquisite 19th century chromolithograph features a pair of Golden Cochinchina chickens, an esteemed breed known for its impressive size, elegant feathering, and docile temperament. The print, titled Gele Cochinchina’s, comes from Geïllustreerd Hoenderboek, an Illustrated Poultry Book published in 1888 by Elsevier. This book, a comprehensive guide on poultry breeding and care, was compiled by Julius Volschau, a prominent poultry expert of his time, and adapted for Dutch readers by Dr. A. C. Oudemans Jzn., director of the Royal Zoological Botanical Society in The Hague.
The Cochinchina breed originated from the region around Cochinchina, now southern Vietnam, and was introduced to Europe in the mid 19th century. It quickly gained popularity due to its striking appearance and excellent egg laying qualities. These birds are characterized by their thick, fully feathered legs, robust bodies, and rich plumage, often displaying shades of gold, buff, or deep reddish hues, as captured beautifully in this print.
The technique used to produce this lithograph is chromolithography, a method developed in the 19th century that allowed for high quality, richly colored prints. The artwork is based on an original drawing by Christian Förster, a renowned animal illustrator of the period. Chromolithographs were created by layering different colored inks using multiple stone plates, resulting in vibrant and lifelike images. This meticulous process ensured that each print retained a painterly depth, with subtle shading and intricate feather details visible in this portrayal of the Cochinchina breed.
Condition Summary
This print has aged gracefully, showcasing well preserved colors and fine detail. Some natural toning of the paper may be present, consistent with its age. The edges remain largely intact, with only minor signs of wear typical for a print of this era. Overall, it is in very good condition, making it a remarkable piece for collectors of antique poultry illustrations or historical agricultural prints.
Framing Tips
To best preserve and display this lithograph, consider the following framing techniques
- Use acid free matting to prevent discoloration over time. A warm cream or light beige mat can complement the golden hues of the chickens
- Choose UV protected glass to shield the print from sunlight exposure, preventing fading
- Opt for a wooden frame in a natural or dark stained finish to enhance the antique charm of the piece
- Float mounting is a great option if you wish to highlight the original paper edges and give the print a more authentic presentation
This lithograph is not only a beautiful decorative piece but also a historical artifact reflecting 19th century poultry breeding and agricultural knowledge. Whether displayed in a farmhouse kitchen, a study, or an antique print collection, it offers a glimpse into the artistry and fascination with domestic animals of the past.
