Antique Carob Botanical Print, Ceratonia Siliqua, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 600

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-14181-27

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 with minor surface marks consistent with age. Image remains clear and intact.

About this sheet

Antique Carob Botanical Print, Ceratonia Siliqua, Hand Colored, c.1831
This botanical engraving illustrates Ceratonia Siliqua, the carob tree, including its distinctive elongated pods. Carob was historically valued as a famine crop, animal feed, and cocoa substitute, particularly in Mediterranean regions.

Published in Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the plate highlights plants of practical and economic importance. The depiction emphasizes the structure of the pods and foliage, providing a clear and informative study of this versatile tree.

Original hand coloring is subtle and naturalistic, enhancing the clarity of the engraving without excess decoration. This plate appeals to collectors interested in agricultural history, Mediterranean food culture, and lesser-known trade crops.

Condition report:
Moderate toning with minor surface marks consistent with age. Image remains clear and intact.

Framing tips:
A neutral off-white mat and a medium-toned wood frame suit the understated character of the image.