British Hedge-Parsley Botanical Pair, Hand-Colored Engravings, England 1902

€ 280

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

Date: 1902
Mapmaker / artist: James Sowerby & J.E. Sowerby (after), England, published London 1902
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 26 × 17 cm (10.2 × 6.7 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13347-129, -130

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

Very good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with age. Minor scattered spots or faint marks may be present. Hand coloring remains fresh and balanced. Plate marks visible where applicable.

About this sheet

British Hedge-Parsley Botanical Pair, Hand-Colored Engravings, England 1902

This refined pair of original hand-colored botanical plates offers a calm, elegant presence well suited to both classic and contemporary interiors. The prints originate from English Botany; or, Colored Figures of British Plants, Third Edition, edited by John T. Boswell Syme and published in London by George Bell & Sons in 1902. Although issued at the start of the 20th century, the plates are faithful to the celebrated earlier work of James Sowerby and J.E. Sowerby, whose illustrations are regarded as benchmarks for botanical accuracy, clarity, and visual balance.

The two plates depict closely related hedge-parsley species: Upright Hedge-Parsley (Caucalis anthriscus) and Knotted Hedge-Parsley (Caucalis nodosa). Each plant is shown in a full botanical profile, with finely engraved stems, delicately divided foliage, and characteristic umbel flowers rendered in soft greens with subtle pink highlights. Additional botanical details, including seeds and sectional studies, are discreetly placed, reinforcing the scientific precision without overwhelming the composition.

Displayed together, the pair creates a harmonious and understated visual rhythm. The vertical forms, generous negative space, and restrained color palette make these prints particularly attractive for modern interiors, Scandinavian or coastal schemes, kitchens, studies, or hallways. They work equally well as a coordinated diptych or as part of a larger botanical wall, appealing to interior designers and collectors seeking authentic antique works with decorative elegance and intellectual depth.

Condition report:
Very good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with age. Minor scattered spots or faint marks may be present. Hand coloring remains fresh and balanced. Plate marks visible where applicable.

Framing tips:
Best framed as a matching horizontal pair or as two identical frames hung side by side. Use warm ivory or soft white mats to complement the paper tone. Natural oak, walnut, or slim black frames will enhance both traditional and modern interiors.