Antique Print of Egyptian Vultures by Oskar von Riesenthal, 1894
Description: Antique print (unframed), titled: 'Taf. XLVII. Neophron percnopterus, Aegyptischer Aasgeier.' – This plate depicts the Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus), with both an adult and a juvenile bird. The adult, with its pale plumage and distinctive bare yellow face, is contrasted with the darker, brown-feathered juvenile. They are set against a landscape evocative of North Africa, with pyramids and palm trees in the distance, a visual cue to their range and cultural significance. At their feet lies a skull, reinforcing their ecological role as scavengers.
This original antique print comes from Die Raubvögel Deutschlands und des angrenzenden Mitteleuropas by Oskar von Riesenthal. Published in Gera by S. B. Griesbach in 1894. The second edition of this monumental series, first published in 1876–78, is celebrated for its lifelike depictions of European and adjacent-region raptors.
Artists and Engravers: Julius Adolf Oskar von Riesenthal (1830–1898), German forester, ornithologist, hunter, and writer, after an anonymous artist. His meticulous attention to natural detail gives these plates both scientific and artistic value.
Condition: Very good impression with strong original colors. Slight toning to margins and a few minor age-related spots, not affecting the image. Sold as a print, not including a frame or matting board.
Framing tips: This plate works beautifully as a stand-alone display. A cream or soft beige matting enhances the pale feathers of the adult bird, while a dark wood or ebony frame provides contrast. When paired with other exotic raptor plates from Riesenthal’s series, it highlights the geographic diversity of the collection.
Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: Oskar von Riesenthal, Gera, 1894
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