Billbergia liboniana – A Rare 19th-Century Botanical Illustration by van Houten
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Sheet size
34.5 × 24 cm (13.6 × 9.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-00031
Condition
The print is in very good condition with vibrant colors, clean paper, and no visible damage such as stains, foxing, or tears. Intact margins and careful matting enhance its presentation, making it well-preserved and ideal for display.
About this sheet
This vibrant hand-colored botanical print depicts the Billbergia liboniana, an exotic bromeliad native to Brazil, with vivid red and blue tubular flowers cascading from green foliage. The illustration, created by Hoola van Houten, showcases meticulous detail and scientific precision, emphasizing the plant’s striking colors and unique form.
The print is mounted in a deep green matting board that complements the plant’s natural tones, enhancing its visual appeal for display or archival preservation.
The Billbergia liboniana is celebrated for its ornamental beauty and is a member of the Bromeliaceae family, known for thriving in tropical climates. It features long, slender blooms that transition from red to a deep indigo blue, a rare and eye-catching combination in botanical art.
Hoola van Houten’s work reflects the golden age of botanical illustration, combining artistry with scientific exploration, particularly during the 19th century when Brazilian flora was a source of fascination for European naturalists. This print is in a very good condition, with clean paper, vibrant colors, and intact margins, making it a valuable addition to any botanical art collection or decorative display.