Original Bird Illustration by DJ van Balen – Gothic Framed Painting of a Greater Racket-tailed Drongo – Artwork for Maximalist Decor

FOR SALE ☞ Original Bird Illustration by DJ van Balen – Gothic Framed Painting of a Greater Racket-tailed Drongo – Artwork for Maximalist Decor

DESCRIPTION ☞ This is a beautifully mysterious and original hand-drawn bird illustration by DJ van Balen — a unknown artist whose meticulous style reflects the golden age of naturalist documentation. The featured species is Dicrurus paradiseus, or the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, dramatically posed with flowing tail streamers and detailed plumage. The artist has beautifully noted the latin name and location it was observed (Sumatra) on the bottom right.

Hand-labeled with its Latin name and bearing the artist’s signature “DJ. v. BALEN,” this piece carries the aesthetic of a late Victorian or early Edwardian era field journal entry and was framed in Calgary, Alberta sometime before the 1990s. It is professionally framed behind matte (non-reflective) glass with a deep blue mat and gold-edged wooden frame, adding a rich vintage contrast that makes it equally suited to modern maximalist, curiosity cabinet, or gothic interior styles.

This is not a print or reproduction — it is an original work on paper. The slight creasing and age toning lend it an authentic, timeworn elegance that collectors and lovers of the obscure will appreciate.

DIMENSIONS ☞ Frame size: Approx. 10.5" × 6.5" × 0.75" Visible artwork: Approx. (6.5" × 3.5")

CONDITION ☞ Good vintage condition with age-appropriate wear. The paper shows two horizontal folds and a small stain near the lower signature. The frame is structurally sound. Backing paper has some minor staining and two small pinholes at the top. Overall, beautifully preserved and ready to hang. Please see photos. Color may differ slightly in real life from how it appears on your screen due to varying monitor settings. Have a question about this item or want to see more photos? Send us a message & we’ll get back to you ASAP!

ABOUT US ☞ Front Street Antiques is located in downtown historic Kaslo, British Columbia, Canada. We are a husband and wife team on the hunt for interesting items that inspire nostalgia and curiosity. As antique enthusiasts, we do our very best to describe any imperfections and quirks, as well as provide a general background on the item; however, we are not yet experts on every item in our store. If you have additional information about an item for us, please send us a message -- we are always grateful to learn more :)

PLEASE NOTE ☞ Item will be carefully packaged up and shipped within 3 business days of sale, often sooner. We combine shipping on multiple items -- please send us a message prior to purchase to give us a heads up & we will be happy to refund the difference upon shipping!

All our listings are considered collectible, retro/vintage (25+ years) or antique (100+ years) and are rarely brand new. The majority of our stock comes from auctions and private collections or estates. Items for sale may display some age related wear and/or minor flaws consistent with the date of manufacture. Photos are included as part of the description. Due to the age and nature of our stock, all items are sold "as is" and final sale unless damaged in transit and covered by insurance.

Items listed on our Etsy store are also available for sale in our physical store location and may sell at any time! Visit us in person to check out our wide variety of stock - 416 Front St. Kaslo, BC

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