Antique Natural History Hand-Colored Lithograph of Ring-Tailed Lemurs

This item is an antique French natural history print depicting two primate species, most notably a Ring-Tailed Lemur (Le Mococo) and a smaller primate (Le Varier). The artwork is a hand-colored engraving or lithograph, likely dating from the mid-19th century. The print features fine line work and delicate watercolor tinting in shades of grey, tan, and green. It is housed in a contemporary dark wood frame with a double-beveled mat. Several markings are visible at the bottom edge: the printer's mark 'Impie. de Lemercier, r. de Seine, Paris' and the plate number 'T. 3.' indicative of its origin from a multi-volume scientific work. The paper exhibits signs of age-appropriate toning and minor foxing, particularly near the top edge of the visible print. The wood frame shows some mechanical scuffing and white paint transfer on the left and right outer edges, though the structural integrity remains sound. The composition showcases the animals in a stylized natural habitat, typical of the Romantic era's approach to zoological illustration, prioritizing aesthetic balance alongside anatomical detail.

Based on the provided images and description, I have appraised this antique French natural history hand-colored lithograph depicting a Ring-Tailed Lemur (Le Mococo) alongside another primate. The printer's mark, 'Impie. de Lemercier, r. de Seine, Paris,' firmly places its origin in mid-19th century France, a highly regarded period for zoological illustration. Visually, the piece presents moderate age-appropriate wear. I note generalized toning and minor foxing to the paper, particularly near the upper edge. The contemporary dark wood frame shows mechanical scuffing and paint transfer, which slightly detracts from the presentation but does not harm the artwork itself. The delicate hand-coloring appears relatively vibrant. The market for 19th-century natural history lithographs is stable but heavily populated. While highly decorative works—particularly those featuring charismatic mammals like lemurs—hold steady appeal among interior designers and print collectors, single plates from larger serialized publications are quite common. Comparables from Lemercier's zoological series typically realize modest prices, though the inclusion of a professional frame bolsters its decorative market value. Please note that this appraisal is based solely on photographic evidence and the provided description. Without a physical, in-person examination, I cannot definitively confirm the age of the watercolor tinting (whether it was applied at the time of printing or added later) or fully assess the paper's integrity outside the frame. Physical inspection beneath a loupe would be required to verify the exact printing technique and check for concealed acid burn from the matting.