Botany · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Very good condition with only minor toning consistent with age. Colors remain vivid and sharp. Plate marks visible as issued. Sold as loose prints, not in frame.
Antique Orchid and Flower Prints – Gladiolus, Jonquil, and Narcissus, 1897
This striking set of three chromolithographs originates from Edward Step’s Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse (1897). Together, they capture some of the most elegant late 19th-century floral studies, showcasing both exotic ornamentals and familiar garden favorites.
Plate 258 presents the Ghent Corn-Flag (Gladiolus gandavensis), a popular hybrid gladiolus renowned for its tall, upright stems and vivid red and pink flowers. This print highlights the plant’s corms and roots as well as its dramatic blossoms, reflecting its importance as both a cut flower and a staple in Victorian ornamental gardening.
Plate 259 depicts two members of the daffodil family: the delicate Jonquil (Narcissus jonquilla) and the more robust Daffodil (Narcissus pseudo-narcissus). Both varieties are rendered with meticulous detail, emphasizing their bright yellow blossoms and slender foliage. These species were widely cultivated in Europe, cherished not only for their fragrance and beauty but also as heralds of spring.
Plate 260 features the Polyanthus Narcissus (Narcissus tazetta), shown in a cluster of creamy white blossoms with golden-yellow centers. This species, native to the Mediterranean and Asia, was often grown in conservatories and greenhouses during the Victorian era. Its depiction in this plate underscores the fascination with both cultivated hybrids and species imported from warmer climates.
Together, these three prints highlight the diversity and decorative appeal of bulbous plants, uniting the rich reds of the gladiolus with the radiant yellows and whites of narcissi. The chromolithographic process used to produce these plates lends them exceptional vibrancy and accuracy, making them both scientifically useful and visually captivating.
Condition report: Very good condition with only minor toning consistent with age. Colors remain vivid and sharp. Plate marks visible as issued. Sold as loose prints, not in frame.
Framing tips: A dark green or burgundy mat would enhance the warm tones of the gladiolus, while a cream or soft yellow mount would complement the narcissi. Consider framing the set together in a triple-aperture mount for maximum impact, or individually in simple gilt or wooden frames for a refined botanical display.
Technique: Chromolithograph
Maker: Edward Step, London, 1897
