Close-ups
Tranquil Homestead: A Family of Chickens, circa 1860
$245 (£185, €220)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1860
- Size
- 12.2 × 9.1 in (31 × 23 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Very good. Outstanding bright and beautiful hand coloring.
- Period
- Late 19th century
- Section
- Birds
- Reference
- f_40615492
- Colour
- Hand coloured
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 print is a detailed illustration of poultry, specifically a family of chickens, set in a natural environment. Here is a description of this print:
1. Setting:
- The scene is set in a rural, natural environment with a tree and foliage in the background, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
2. Main Elements:
- Rooster and Hens: The central focus is a rooster standing proudly, with hens around him. One hen is sitting protectively, likely guarding her chicks.
- Chicks: Several chicks are depicted, some standing and others nestled close to the hens. They are shown in various states of activity, adding liveliness to the scene.
- Additional Birds: There is a bird perched on a branch in the background, contributing to the overall richness of the avian life depicted.
3. Foreground Details:
- The poultry are illustrated with meticulous detail, showcasing their feathers, beaks, and natural behavior. The chicks, in particular, add a tender and familial touch to the scene.
4. Text:
- The text below the illustration provides titles in both German and English:
- **German**: "Eine Hühnerfamilie," which translates to "A Chicken Family."
- **English**: "Poultry."
5. Artists:
- The print is signed by "M. Hondekoeter pinx," indicating the original painting was by Melchior d'Hondecoeter, a Dutch painter known for his bird and poultry paintings.
- The engraving was done by W. French, as indicated by the signature "W. French sc."
Type of print: Steel engraving
Color: Original hand coloring
Engraver: Albert Henry Payne (1812-1902)
Painter: Melchior Hondekoeter (1636-1695)
Where published: Dresden
When published: Ca. 1860
Condition: Very good. Outstanding bright and beautiful hand coloring.
Image seize: 12,5 x 16,5 cm (ca. 4.9 x 6.5")
