Antique Clove Botanical Print, Caryophyllus Aromaticus, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 940

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-14181-12

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

An off-white mat and a dark wood or ebonized frame enhance the depth and historical character of the subject.

About this sheet

Antique Clove Botanical Print, Caryophyllus Aromaticus, Hand Colored, c.1831

This strong and visually engaging botanical engraving illustrates Caryophyllus Aromaticus, the clove tree, including buds, flowers, and fruiting stages. Cloves were among the most valuable spices in global trade, closely associated with the Moluccas and the intense commercial rivalries of the colonial spice trade.

Published in Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the plate reflects the period’s focus on economically vital plants and their precise identification. The detailed rendering of the clove buds emphasizes their commercial value and botanical distinctiveness.

Original hand coloring brings warmth and contrast to the composition, with rich greens and earthy reds applied with care. This plate functions exceptionally well as a standalone statement piece and pairs naturally with other spice subjects such as nutmeg or cinnamon.

Condition report:
Moderate toning with some light discoloration to the paper. Image remains strong and clear.

Framing tips:
An off-white mat and a dark wood or ebonized frame enhance the depth and historical character of the subject.