Grace on the Water: The Mute Swan (Cygnus olor) in Repose, 1929

Swans on a Quiet Lake – Graceful Antique Bird Chromolithograph c.1880 This serene late 19th-century ornithological chromolithograph depicts a peaceful lakeside scene with swans in different stages of maturity, presented within a broad, open landscape of calm water, grassy banks, and distant trees. In the foreground, an adult white swan glides across the water with its neck elegantly curved, while nearby a grey-brown juvenile swan and an older, darker bird stand at the water’s edge. The composition gently illustrates growth and variation within the species, a common and instructive theme in natural history illustration of the period. The swan, long regarded as a symbol of grace, purity, and tranquility, was a favored subject in 19th-century European ornithological works. The contrast between the bright white plumage of the adult bird and the softer grey tones of the younger swans is rendered with great sensitivity, emphasizing differences in age and development. The surrounding landscape is deliberately understated, allowing the birds to remain the focal point while conveying a convincing natural habitat. Produced using chromolithography, this print displays soft, harmonious coloration and smooth tonal transitions. Pale blues and greens dominate the water and sky, complemented by gentle earth tones along the shoreline. Fine feather detailing and subtle reflections in the water demonstrate the technical quality of late 19th-century chromolithographic printing, which sought to combine scientific accuracy with decorative appeal. This print is ideal for collectors of antique bird prints, waterfowl imagery, and pastoral wildlife scenes. It also works beautifully in interior settings such as living rooms, bedrooms, nurseries, country houses, or calm contemporary spaces, where its balanced composition and soothing palette add a sense of elegance and quiet refinement. Condition report Good antique condition. Light foxing and mild age-related toning visible, mainly in the margins, consistent with chromolithographs of this period. The image area remains clean and well preserved, with no major tears or losses observed. Framing tips Frame with a wide off-white or soft beige mat and a natural wood, walnut, or simple black frame. This enhances the gentle color palette and gives the print a timeless, museum-style presentation. Keywords antique bird print, swan illustration, swans on a lake, waterfowl art...

Antique Scandinavian Swan Lithograph, Cygnus Cygnus – Svenska Fåglar 1929 This refined Scandinavian ornithological lithograph depicts the majestic Who...

Antique bird print depicting the wild swan, lobated duck, shoveller and goosander. This print originates from 'Museum of Natural History' by Sir John Richardson. Artists and engra...

Antique print titled 'Anas Cygnus Tab. II'. Swans are birds of the family Anatidae within the genus Cygnus. The swans' close relatives include the geese and ducks. Swans are grouped ...

This is an original rare and extremely collectible 1st royal octavo edition John James Audubon hand-colored lithograph entitled "American Swan", No. 77, Plate 384, from Audubon's "Birds of America". It was lithographed, printed and colored by J. T. Bowen and published in Philadelphia between 1840-1844. It depicts an adult white American Swan swimming in a body of water. Plants with yellow flowers are in the foreground and hills are in the background. This original rare first edition hand-colored Audubon bird lithograph has a mildly wavy lower edge of the paper where it was previously bound. It is otherwise in excellent condition. The sheet measures 6.63" x 10.13". The original text pages 226-234 are included. John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a naturalist and artist. He was initially unsuccessful financially prior to the publication of his famous work “The Birds of America”, spending time in debtor’s prison, once stabbing a disgruntled investor in self-defense. However, his obsession with birds and art motivated him to persist in his goal of documenting every bird in America via his watercolor paintings and publishing his works for all to enjoy. Audubon's first illustrations were published in a large elephant folio size. Due to their expense they were purchased in rather small numbers by the wealthy. To reach a larger audience, Audubon, with the help of his sons and J. T. Bowen, published a smaller octavo sized lithograph version, which were much more affordable. With the success of his bird projects, Audubon then turned his attention to four-legged animals. He explored the Missouri River in 1843 sketching the four-legged animals he encountered in their natural setting. His expedition covered some of the same regions recently explored by Lewis and Clark, traveling from present day Alaska to Mexico. Audubon realized that this was an opportunity to document these animals in the still relatively pristine American wilderness, before man encroached on their environment. Between 1845 and 1848, Audubon and his sons John Woodhouse Audubon and Victor Gifford Audubon produced a set of elephant folio sized lithographs that were primarily engraved and hand colored by J. T. Bowen in Philadelphia. The publication, which included text descriptions of the animals was published 3 years before Audubon died. As with the birds, this was followed by a three-volume set of 155 octavo-sized plates entitled “The Quadrupeds of North America” completed and published by Audubon’s sons, John, Jr. and Victor. Audubon prints continue to be popular and a wise investment. The double elephant folio set...

An original rare and extremely collectible first edition John James Audubon hand colored royal octavo lithograph entitled "Trumpeter Swan, Young", No. 7...

Hans Neumann (German, 1873 - 1957) Schwäne (Swans), 1913 Woodblock Sight: 17 x 11 in. Framed: 25 3/4 x 19 in. Signed & inscribed bottom, artist monogram lower left This outstanding ...

Great White Heron is a modern artwork realized in 1870. Woodcut print, hand colored, published by London, Bell & Sons, 1870. Name of the bird printed ...