Antique Chestnut Botanical Print, Castanea Vesca, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 650

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-14181-26

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 surface soiling. No tears or losses.

About this sheet

Antique Chestnut Botanical Print, Castanea Vesca, Hand Colored, c.1831
This original botanical engraving depicts Castanea Vesca, the sweet chestnut tree, shown with foliage and fruiting burrs. Chestnuts were an important food source across Europe, particularly in rural economies where they served as both sustenance and trade commodity.

The plate originates from Jonathan Carl Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, a publication focused on plants of economic and mercantile relevance. The inclusion of chestnut reflects its role as a staple crop rather than a luxury good, offering insight into everyday agricultural life of the early 19th century.

Original hand coloring lends warmth to the composition, with earthy greens and browns applied in a restrained manner. The overall effect is rustic and balanced, making the plate well suited for kitchens, country interiors, or collections focused on traditional food crops.

Condition report:
Moderate age-related toning and light surface soiling. No tears or losses.

Framing tips:
A warm cream or light taupe mat paired with an oak or walnut frame complements the natural character of the subject.