Karl Joseph Brodtmann

Der Eisbar

Karl Joseph Brodtmann

Der Eisbar

This early 19th-century lithograph by Swiss printmaker Karl Joseph Brodtmann (1787-1862) depicts a polar bear standing precariously on an ice floe.

It was originally produced for a natural history publication published in 1827 by Heinrich Rudolph Schinz. Schinz produced several illustrated natural history books on mammals, reptiles, fish and birds. Each of these served to meet the growing appetite for knowledge demonstrated by the middle classes.

Karl Joseph Brodtmann was considered to be one of the finest engravers of his time. His depictions of animals were imbued with beauty and scientific accuracy in equal measure.

Framed and glazed.

Medium: Lithograph on paper
Overall size: 18” x 14” / 46cm x 35cm
Year of creation: c. 1827
Condition: Artwork presents well.

Conservation & History

We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.

Stay In Touch
Subscribe to our Wednesday newsletter for the latest finds and 10% off your order.

Availability