About this sheet
Antique Botanical Print – Lavender-White Orchid Saccolabium coeleste
A refined and richly detailed botanical print of 'Saccolabium coeleste', a delicate and highly ornamental orchid species, featured here in a large hand-colored lithograph from the prestigious 19th-century series 'Reichenbachia: Orchids Illustrated and Described' (1888–1894). This stunning plate captures the orchid in full bloom, its graceful arching racemes densely packed with pale lavender and white blossoms, their petals outlined with subtle purples and each flower precisely shaded to convey depth and naturalism.
Native to Southeast Asia, this orchid is now known botanically as 'Rhynchostylis coelestis', and is admired for its elegant flower spikes and sweet fragrance. The print showcases two blooming stems rising from a base of lush, leathery green leaves, rendered in soft tonal gradients against a neutral background that enhances the visual impact of the flower’s coloration. The composition evokes the graceful habit of epiphytic orchids while allowing for botanical accuracy.
The Reichenbachia series, published under the direction of Henry Frederick Conrad Sander, was a monumental achievement in orchid illustration, featuring life-sized prints produced through hand-coloring and fine chromolithography. The illustrations were drawn from life by the acclaimed artist Henry Moon (1857–1905) and executed by expert lithographers such as Joseph Mansell. Each image in the series reflected the latest horticultural understanding of the time and was intended for the serious collector, connoisseur, and orchidophile.
This print, accompanied by its original descriptive text in English, French, and German, remains a coveted object for collectors of botanical art, especially those with a focus on orchid imagery or Victorian-era natural history illustration. Its rarity, scale, and exquisite coloring make it an excellent choice for interior display as well.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Minor edge toning and a few small foxing spots in the margin. Colors are vivid and well preserved. No tears or repairs.
Framing tips:
This piece would be beautifully complemented by a natural wood or gold frame. A soft ivory or sage green mat will enhance the lavender and green tones while maintaining a refined botanical feel.
