Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Planifolia, Hand Colored, c.1831

€ 1 190

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-14181-29

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

Moderate toning with light discoloration. Overall visually strong.

About this sheet

Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Planifolia, Hand Colored, c.1831
This complementary botanical engraving illustrates Vanilla Planifolia, the primary species cultivated for vanilla production. The plate focuses on botanical structure and fruit development, offering a slightly more analytical counterpart to other vanilla studies.

Issued as part of Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde, the image reflects the increasing scientific understanding of economically valuable tropical plants during the early 19th century. Vanilla’s high value and labor-intensive cultivation made it a luxury commodity in European markets.

Original hand coloring is carefully applied, enhancing botanical clarity while maintaining a refined appearance. This plate works well as a standalone piece or alongside other vanilla or spice subjects.

Condition report:
Moderate toning with light discoloration. Overall visually strong.

Framing tips:
A warm off-white mat with a dark wood or lightly ebonized frame emphasizes the plate’s structure and depth.