Botany · 19th century
€ 130
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
good, given age. Some light staining in margins, not affecting image. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Folding line as issued. Please study scan carefully.
This vintage botanical illustration captures the lush landscape of Serra dos Órgãos in Brazil during the early 19th century. The focal point of the image is the Arecoideae palm, depicted with its characteristic feather-like leaves and robust trunk. In the background, the rugged terrain of the mountain range melds into a misty horizon, evoking the area's natural grandeur and atmospheric beauty. A rustic dwelling, a pair of mules, and a figure in traditional attire enhance the scene's authenticity, providing insight into the rural life of the region during this period.
About the Artist: Louis van Houtte
Louis Benoit van Houtte (1810-1876) was a visionary Belgian horticulturist whose passion for plants shaped much of the botanical landscape in Europe during the mid-19th century. After serving at the Jardin Botanique de Brussels, he embarked on an expedition to Brazil, which deeply influenced his later works. In Ghent, he founded the Ecole d'Horticulture and launched the horticultural journal Flore des serres et des Jardins de l'Europe. This monumental publication spanned 23 volumes with over 2000 colored plates, continuing even after his death.
Van Houtte's nursery in Ghent, managed alongside Adolf Papeleu, became a hub for the propagation of exotic plants, particularly orchids, from South and Central America. The nursery was renowned for cultivating the first Victoria on the Continent and creating the first confirmed water lily hybrid, N. Ortgiesiano-rubra, under the expertise of Eduard Ortgies. By 1870, Van Houtte's establishment was the most flourishing nursery in Belgium, boasting 14 hectares and 50 greenhouses. His legacy continued through his son, ensuring that Van Houtte’s contributions to horticulture endured well beyond his lifetime.
These prints not only celebrate Van Houtte's incredible contributions to botany and horticulture but also bring a piece of history into your living space, colored with the rich hues of tropical paradise.
