Here’s a great new print of an 1880’s color lithographic plate featuring an unusual view of a hippopotamus group gathered near a river.  This was one of two (the other features elephants and is available in our store) we recently found.  The owner only knew they came from an 1880 book called: “Johnson’s Household Book of Nature”, published by Henry J. Johnson.  What struck us about this print is the placid tone of the drawing.  Far too many of the animal lithographs of the period portrayed the animals in ferocious or aggressive poses.  While the hippopotamus is pictured placidly, the males are very territorial and any human who ventured near their riverbank was a real danger.      

The hippopotami are mostly pictured languishing in or near a riverbank.  The exception is the large male who seems agitated by something, perhaps the artist.  A male usually had up to forty females in his bloat or crash (the proper designations for a group).  One mother, her baby atop her back, is swimming in the river while a second hippopotamus is shown underwater with only a nose visible in the lower right.  While they spend a great deal of time in the river the hippopotamus can neither swim nor float.  They simply bounce off the river bottom.  They can stay submerged for up to ten minutes.  In spite of their size, the hippopotamus can run as fast as a human on land.

This should be a delight to any collector of animal prints from the nineteenth century.  It would also make a unique decoration for a child’s room.

This print is on a high-quality 100# glossy text paper.  The actual image measures 14.75” (w) X 10.5” (h).  The paper is 11” (w) x 17” (h).  Therefore, it has a small border to allow for framing.  When matted, this size is perfect for a standard 16” x 20” frame, a manageable size for a variety of decorating purposes.

The condition of this item is new.

SAVE ON SHIPPING FOR MULTIPLE PURCHASES!!

We ship all items paid for in a single transaction for ONE low shipping and handling fee, whether it’s one or one-hundred.     

We have hundreds more items such as this in our eBay store.  Click on our store link above and take this opportunity to browse. 

MAKE US A FAVORITE STORE

Be sure to add me to your favorites list! Make us a favorite store and we’ll send you a favorite customers newsletter with specials and announcements on the new posters and photographs in our listings.  

You can see all of the zoo animal  posters, prints and photographs in our store by simply typing the word “zoo” in the store search box and you will see everything we have.   

Click here to visit our store

1129

(08/05)