Lot 2081 email save

Group of Sheep Lithographs by Prof. Low,

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Group of Sheep Lithographs by Prof. Low, ca 1840s, from Low's pioneering work "The Breeds of the Domestic Animals of the British Islands", which illustrated the forerunners of all of today's most important breeds of horses, cows, sheep and pigs. Seventeen lithographs printed in colors, with hand-coloring, from drawings by William Nicholson after paintings by William Shiels. Includes many rare breeds, some now extinct. Generally good condition except for overall toning, some chipping and losses at the margins and slight mat burn; London: 1840-41, Longman, Orme, Brown, Green and Longmans; approximately 12.5" x 16.75", framed.

David Low, professor of agriculture at Edinburgh University, produced his work as a reference for those interested in the infant science of selective breeding. He was concerned that the basic concepts of matching a breed to its environment while improving its productivity were not understood by the majority of farmers or breeders. With the help of a government grant from Earl Spencer, Low set up the agricultural museum in Edinburgh. William Shiels of the Royal Scottish Academy was commissioned to produce a series of paintings of all the significant breeds of economic significance in Great Britain at the time, which were then used as the basis for Low's work. For a complete listing of the breeds included in this lot please visit our website.

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