Pair Of Antique Georg Krause Bird Egg Prints From Oologia Universalis Palaearctica, C. 1906–1913 — Folio Card Stock Plates
Chairish$149
Pair Of Antique Georg Krause Bird Egg Prints From Oologia Universalis Palaearctica, C. 1906–1913 — Folio Card Stock Plates
Chairish$149
A refined pair of antique bird egg prints, believed to be from Georg Albert Julius Krause’s rare ornithological work, Oologia Universalis Palaearctica, published in Stuttgart by Fritz Lehmann beginning in 1906. These beautifully rendered egg studies were issued in folio format on heavy card stock, consistent with the original publication format. Each sheet measures approximately 8.75 x 11.75 inches and is blank on the reverse. The prints present a highly decorative yet scientifically grounded study of Palaearctic bird eggs, capturing the natural variation in color, speckling, scale, and form that made Krause’s work especially admired among collectors of natural history prints. The sheets are in excellent antique condition, with strong presentation quality. The small spot visible on the egg near the bottom of the page titled “Desert Chat” appears to be a printer’s error from the original production process, not later damage. Krause’s Oologia Universalis Palaearctica is considered an important early 20th-century work on the eggs of Palaearctic birds. Contemporary notice in Nature described the first part as a beautiful egg book, “printed on separate sheets of cardboard, with illustrated”plates accompanied by descriptive text sheets. The work was issued in parts and included German and English text. The publication was never completed as originally planned. It was projected to run to about 150 parts, but only 78 fascicles were ultimately published between 1906 and 1913. Auction and bibliographic records describe the completed published portion as containing approximately 158–159 chromolithographed plates, printed on thick card, illustrating the eggs of Palaearctic birds. Georg Krause was a German oologist and natural history illustrator whose work focused on bird eggs. His plates are especially valued for showing not just one idealized specimen, but the range of variation within a species — an approach that gives the prints both scientific and decorative appeal. Details Artist / Author: Georg Albert Julius Krause Work: Oologia Universalis Palaearctica Publisher: Fritz Lehmann, Stuttgart Date: c. 1906–1913 Subject: Palaearctic bird eggs Format: Folio-style natural history plates Medium: Chromolithographic-style color egg studies on heavy card stock Sheet size: Approximately 8.75 x 11.75 inches Reverse: Blank Condition: Excellent antique condition Noted condition point: Small spot on the egg near the bottom of the “Desert Chat” page appears to be an original printer’s error, not damage Publication note: Issued in fascicles/parts; the original project was intended to be larger, but only 78 parts were published Text of original work: German and English Collecting interest: Natural history, ornithology, oology, antique bird egg studies, decorative scientific prints Attribution: Believed to be from Krause’s Oologia Universalis Palaearctica, based on format, subject, size, and publication characteristics Presentation: Suitable for framing, display, or inclusion in a natural history print collection