Botanical Engravings of Thick-Leaved, English, and Biting Stone-Crops, 1902

€ 260

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1902
Mapmaker / artist: British, published London, 1902
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 26 × 17 cm (10.2 × 6.7 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13347-40, -41, -42

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

Condition report: Excellent for age. Very mild toning in the margins and occasional faint specks consistent with age. Strong plate impressions with clean edges and generous borders preserved.

About this sheet

This beautiful trio of hand-colored botanical engravings from 1902 portrays three species of the hardy and decorative Sedum genus, commonly known as Stone-crops. The plates feature Sedum dasyphyllum (Thick-leaved Stone-crop), Sedum anglicum (English Stone-crop), and Sedum acre (Biting Stone-crop). Each plate captures the unique form and character of these low-growing succulents, beloved for their ability to thrive on walls, rocks, and dry ground.

The first composition, Thick-leaved Stone-crop, shows a charming cluster of tiny, fleshy, rounded leaves in soft tones of green and lilac, with fine pink star-like blossoms delicately drawn above. The central plate, English Stone-crop, depicts a similar creeping species, distinguished by tighter, more upright clusters and pale pink flowers, beautifully rendered with fine engraved lines and light watercolor tinting. The final image, Biting Stone-crop, stands out with its bright yellow, five-petaled blooms and vibrant green leaves, an emblematic species of old stone walls and sunlit meadows. The three prints together form a harmonious progression of color from pale lilac to golden yellow, reflecting the diversity of the Sedum family.

Each engraving is executed with remarkable precision and clarity, typical of early 20th-century English botanical illustration. The hand-applied color enhances the natural texture and luminosity of the plants, making these works both scientifically informative and visually refined.

Condition report: Excellent for age. Very mild toning in the margins and occasional faint specks consistent with age. Strong plate impressions with clean edges and generous borders preserved.

Framing tips: These three plates create a perfectly balanced triptych when framed together in natural oak, light gold, or white frames. Soft ivory or sage green mounts complement the pastel hues of the plants and flowers. Ideal for display in a sunroom, kitchen, or study, they bring a sense of botanical serenity and classic charm to any interior.