Botany · 19th century
€ 565
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Moderate age toning and light surface dirt. No structural damage.
Antique Grape Varieties Botanical Print, Vitis Vinifera Study, Hand Colored
This comparative botanical engraving presents multiple varieties of Vitis vinifera, offering a more analytical view of grape morphology than single-specimen plates. Leaves and structural variations are carefully contrasted, reflecting the growing interest in classification, cultivation, and agricultural improvement during the early 19th century.
As part of Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the plate illustrates the scientific foundations underpinning viticulture as a commercial enterprise. Such images were essential reference tools for understanding crop diversity and quality at a time when wine production played a major role in European trade networks.
Original hand coloring lends clarity and depth to the individual forms without overwhelming the composition. The plate appeals especially to collectors, wine historians, and those with a scholarly interest in agricultural illustration.
Condition report:
Moderate age toning and light surface dirt. No structural damage.
Framing tips:
A neutral mat with a slightly wider margin emphasizes the comparative nature of the study. A darker wood frame adds gravitas.
Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832
