This is a fabulous original early 20th Century transfer lithograph from the woodcuts made by the celebrated printmaker, William Nicholson.
It is a lithograph from the published series called The Square Book of Animals. This publication is one of the rarest of William Nicholson's illustrated works.
William Nicholson produced a series of books in similar format and spirit to this one, including An Alphabet (1898), Twelve Portraits (First & Second Series, 1899-1902), and London Types (1898).
I have five original prints from this harder-to-find set by Nicholson currently in my store. The images feature a charming selection of farm and domestic animals; all depicted with lovely rich tones of tans, browns, blacks.
These are NOT later reproductions but genuine lithographs which were published in 1900.
This one is called the Friendly Hen: "Some birds lay eggs in towering trees, And some in fens conceal them; The hen seeks friendlier haunts than these, Where every child can steal them".
The image is printed in black ink on brown-toned paper and has touches of colour to enliven the image here and there. The print is in excellent antique condition - with no obvious damages.
Each image measures: 12.8 x 12.8 cm. Frame size: 27.5 cm (square)
Each lithograph is newly re-framed and with a good quality acid-free window mount and a simple black frame. They are beautiful and clean - and all ready to hang on your wall.
William Nicholson is a much sought-after Victorian artist and is perhaps best known for his stylish woodcut illustrations. He also was famed for designed stage sets for J.M. Barrie's play: Peter Pan.