19th-Century Lithograph of a Lioness with Her Playful Cubs in the Wild

Original antique print titled 'Die Löwin mit ihren Jungen (..)'. Original antique print of a lioness and her cubs. Published by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, circa 1830.

Lioness with Cubs, African Wildlife Natural History Lithograph, 1816 This original hand-colored lithograph depicts one of the most captivating scenes in early natural history illustration: a lioness resting with her playful cubs. Combining scientific observation with artistic sensitivity, the image captures both the strength and maternal character of one of the world's most iconic animals. Created by Swiss artist Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787–1862), the print was published in Lindau in 1816 as part of the renowned Naturhistorische Bilder-Gallerie aus dem Thierreiche. Produced during the pioneering era of lithographic printing, the series introduced European audiences to exotic wildlife from across the globe through beautifully executed hand-colored illustrations. The composition portrays a lioness reclining on the ground while several cubs climb, play, and gather around her. Unlike many zoological illustrations of the period that focused solely on anatomical representation, Brodtmann created a lively and affectionate family scene that conveys both natural behavior and emotional warmth. The result is a print that appeals equally to collectors of natural history and decorative art. Known as the "Queen of Beasts," the lioness plays the central role within the social structure of a pride. She is responsible for most hunting activities and the care and protection of young cubs. Brodtmann's depiction highlights this nurturing aspect of lion behavior while maintaining the scientific accuracy expected from early nineteenth-century natural history publications. The delicate hand coloring, subtle landscape details, and expressive treatment of the animals demonstrate why Brodtmann remains one of the most admired natural history illustrators of his era. His works are increasingly sought after for their decorative appeal, historical importance, and connection to the golden age of scientific illustration. Today, original Brodtmann wildlife lithographs are highly desirable among collectors of zoology, safari art...

Beautiful original old print of a lioness and lion cubs. This print originates from Dr. Johann Schreber's 'Die Saugthiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur'(Mammals in Pictures after Nature). Drawn by Johann Elias Ridinger (1698–1767). Johann Christian Daniel von Schreber (1739–1810) was appointed professor of materia medica at the University of Erlangen in 1769. In 1774, he began writing a multivolume set of books entitled Die Säugethiere in Abbildungen nach der Natur mit Beschreibungen, which focused on the mammals of the world. Many of the animals included were given a scientific name for the first time, following the binomial system of Carl Linnaeus. From 1791 until his death in 1810, he was the president of the German Academy of Sciences Leopoldina. He was elected a member of the Royal Swedish...

Original antique print titled 'Die Löwin mit ihren Jungen und ihr Wärter (..)'. Original antique print of a lioness and her cubs and trainer. Published by Karl Joseph Brodtmann, circ...

The Lion is a lithograph on ivory-colored paper, realized by Paul Gervais (1816-1879). The artwork is from The Series of "Les Trois Règnes de la Nature", and was published in 1854. ...

The Lion is an original lithograph on ivory-colored paper, realized by Paul Gervais (1816-1879). The artwork is from The Series of "Les Trois Règnes de la Nature", and was published ...

A pair of 18th century hand colored copperplate engravings entitled "Felis Leo Linn Femina" and "Rhinoceros Unicornis Linn" from Dr. Johann Schreber's Die Sa...

The Lion is an original lithograph on ivory-colored paper, realized by Paul Gervais (1816-1879). The artwork is from The Series of "Les Trois Règnes de la Nature", and was published ...