Vintage New Oxford Sheep Print (1853) | Antique Livestock Illustration

This is a classic American livestock print from 1853, a form of agricultural portraiture designed to showcase a prize-winning "New Oxford Sheep." The detailed lithograph proudly displays the animal's impressive size and dense wool, while the text below meticulously records its vital statistics—its age, owner, impressive dressed weight of 269¼ pounds, and various measurements. This artwork served as both a commemorative piece and a prestigious advertisement, celebrating the pinnacle of modern, scientific animal breeding in the mid-19th century.

Historical Tidbit

This print is a fascinating window into the 19th-century obsession with the "scientific improvement" of livestock. During this era of great industrial and agricultural progress, prize farm animals were treated like celebrities. Breeders in Europe and America competed to create bigger, more productive animals, and a massive sheep like this was a walking testament to its owner's wealth, skill, and modern approach to farming. Commissioning a fine art print of a champion animal was the ultimate advertisement, a way to market the superior genetics of one's herd to other farmers. This sheep wasn't just an animal; it was a symbol of progress and a feat of biological engineering.

Our sturdy wooden framed posters come ready to hang and are printed on heavyweight white matte paper with a smooth, luxurious finish—designed to stand the test of time:

• Ready-to-hang: Includes hanging kit, ready to hang directly on the wall.
• Frame Material: Durable pine wood.
• Frame Measurements: 20-25mm (0.79"-0.98") thick, 10-14mm (0.4"-0.6") wide.
• Paper Weight: 200 gsm (80 lb), thickness: 0.22 mm (8.7 mils).
• Paper Finishing: Matte, smooth, non-reflective surface.
• Protection: Shatterproof plexiglass protects the poster.
• Sustainable Paper: FSC-certified materials or equivalent.