Antique Handcolored Engraving of Medicinal Plants, c.1800
€ 120
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1800
Sheet size
23.5 × 19.5 cm (9.3 × 7.7 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13997-38
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
Good condition. Age-related toning, minor edge wear, especially the right border, no text on verso. Colors remain vibrant and well preserved. Please review images carefully.
About this sheet
Antique Handcolored Engraving of Medicinal Plants, Plantes XIII, c.1800
This original handcolored copperplate engraving depicts two medicinal plants, illustrating their botanical structure, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The plate originates from Friedrich Johann Bertuch’s Bilderbuch für Kinder (Picture Book for Children), a 12-volume natural history encyclopedia published between 1790 and 1830, valued for its scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.
The engraving includes: 1. A plant resembling Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), with its compound leaves, purple flowers, and roots used for medicinal purposes. The detailed root system highlights its importance in herbal remedies (Fig. 1). 2. A plant resembling Rubia tinctorum (madder), with its yellow flowers, dark berries, and vibrant red roots historically used for dyeing fabrics (Fig. 2).
This intricately detailed engraving showcases the diversity of medicinal and utilitarian plants, offering a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century botanical studies. It is a valuable addition to collections of natural history art, antique prints, or botanical illustrations.
Condition Report: Good condition. General age-related toning, minor edge wear, no text on verso. Colors remain vivid and well preserved. Please review images carefully.
