Botany · 18th century
€ 120
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
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.
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.
