Antique Botanical Print of Astragalus Verus, Copper Engraving, c.1831

€ 640

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1831
Mapmaker / artist: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Sheet size: 27.1 × 22.7 cm (10.7 × 8.9 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14181-33

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Moderate toning and light surface dirt. Overall well preserved.

About this sheet

Antique Tragacanth Botanical Print, Astragalus Verus, c.1831

This striking botanical engraving depicts Astragalus verus, the plant from which gum tragacanth is derived. The plant is shown with branching stems and flowering heads, accompanied by analytical details of structure.

The plate originates from Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde and documents one of the most important binding and thickening agents used in pharmacy, confectionery, and early industrial processes. Gum tragacanth was especially valued for its stability and purity.

Original hand coloring is restrained, lending the plate a refined and slightly austere appearance that suits its technical subject. This is an excellent example of early industrial botany.

Condition report:
Moderate age-related toning with light spotting. No damage.

Framing tips:
A pale gray or parchment mat with a simple dark frame complements the scientific elegance of the plate.