Botany · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good condition. Minor age toning and faint spotting consistent with age, margins generally clean and wide. Original plate numbers present. Sold as prints, not in frame.
Antique Botanical Prints of Tillandsia and Irises – Set of Three, 1897
A striking set of three antique botanical chromolithographs from Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse by Edward Step, published in 1897. These finely detailed plates present both exotic and familiar plants, combining scientific accuracy with decorative artistry.
The first plate shows Tillandsia splendens, also known as the scarlet or flaming sword bromeliad. Its upright, brilliantly red bract and distinctive banded foliage are rendered with vivid precision, capturing the dramatic impact of this tropical species.
The second plate illustrates the Netted Iris (Iris reticulata), a bulbous spring-blooming iris native to the Caucasus. Its deep violet flowers, finely veined and highlighted with yellow, are depicted at natural size, showing both blossoms and bulbs in remarkable detail.
The third plate presents the Dwarf Iris (Iris pumila), a charming, low-growing species with a striking range of colors from golden yellow to rich burgundy. Step’s chromolithograph reveals the form and texture of the petals with exceptional clarity.
Together, these three plates form a beautiful balance between the tropical exuberance of the bromeliad and the cool elegance of the iris family. They are excellent for framing as a coordinated wall display or kept as collectible reference works of late 19th-century botanical art.
Condition report:
Very good condition. Minor age toning and faint spotting consistent with age, margins generally clean and wide. Original plate numbers present. Sold as prints, not in frame.
Framing tips:
This set displays beautifully when mounted together in matching frames. A soft cream or light gray mat will highlight the color contrasts, while dark wood or gilt frames can add a refined Victorian touch.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Edward Step, London, 1897
