Wien, Gerlach & Schenk, 1896. Large, oblong folio (57.0 x 43.0 cm) stunning lithographed plate in a fantastic Art Nouveau style.

A very rare plate from Anton Johann Nepomuk Seder's Das Thier [ l'Animal - The Animal], with the finest and most stunning plates of Art Nouveau book design. It is hard to underestimate the beauty and importance of this work by the famous German Art Nouveau painter and art professor, who lived from 1850 to 1916. Each plate from this work is a true highlight of artistic design and is absolutely breathtaking. Seder's work had many followers in the Art Nouveau and Art Deco movements and afterwards; original individual plates are still highly in demand. The quality of this chromolithograph is absolutely first class, the frequent use of gold and many different colours gives this plate a great depth which is not possible with even the most advanced printing techniques of today. Very light, non obtrusive toning to white margins, some minor fraying to the top and lower margins, the lower margin with a short tear. Overall this is an exceptionally well-preserved print with an amazing composition of birds and in a fabulous condition. Schneider-Henn, Ornament und Dekoration, 200.