Wien, Gerlach & Schenk, 1896. Large folio (57 x 43 cm) stunning chromolithographed 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 tiny fraying to upper and lower edge and a few light spots in the margins. Overall this is an exceptionally well-preserved print with the beautiful dark matt gold in a fabulous condition. This is one of the most impressive of the entire series and would look fantastic over any Empire-style furniture. Schneider-Henn, Ornament und Dekoration, 200.