Antique Botanical Print of Nicotiana Rustica, Copper Engraving, c.1831

€ 780

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-14181-40

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 age-related toning and light spotting. Image remains strong.

About this sheet

Antique Tobacco Botanical Print, Nicotiana rustica, c.1831
This original botanical engraving depicts Nicotiana rustica, a robust tobacco species traditionally cultivated for its high nicotine content. The plant is shown with broad leaves and pale yellow flowers, emphasizing its agricultural character.

Published in Jonathan Carl Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the plate documents a tobacco variety of practical and economic importance, widely used in snuff and traditional preparations rather than luxury consumption.

Original hand coloring is deep and restrained, with rich greens dominating the composition. The broad leaves give the plate strong visual weight, making it particularly effective as a standalone work.

Condition report:
Moderate age-related toning and light scattered spotting. No tears or losses.

Framing tips:
A soft ivory mat and dark wood frame enhance contrast and structure.