Charles Dickens & Obelisque Hyacinths – Set of Two Florilegium Prints c.1900
€ 250
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1900
Sheet size
36.5 × 27.5 cm (14.4 × 10.8 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
JAK-1324 & JAK-1323
Condition
Good to very good condition overall. Some light foxing and scattered age spots, mostly confined to the margins. Colours remain strong and well-preserved. No major tears or repairs noted. Slight age patina enhances the antique character.
About this sheet
Charles Dickens & Obelisque Hyacinths – Set of Two Florilegium Prints c.1900
This charming set of two antique botanical prints features colourful cultivars of hyacinth flowers, titled Charles Dickens and Obelisque. Both plates showcase exquisite chromolithographic depictions of flowering stems in full bloom, with lush green leaves and delicately shaded petals that evoke the richness of springtime Dutch gardens.
The first print (Charles Dickens) presents three tulip-shaped hyacinths in vibrant yellow, deep purple, and a bicolour mix, with gracefully arched green foliage. The second print (Obelisque) features two densely petalled hyacinth blooms – one soft white and the other rich pink – displayed against a warm-toned neutral background that enhances the delicate colours of the flowers.
These prints originate from Florilegium Harlemense, a turn-of-the-century botanical work celebrating the famed bulb flower culture of Haarlem, Netherlands – one of Europe’s most important centres for tulip and hyacinth breeding. Published circa 1900, the series combines horticultural enthusiasm with artistic flair, intended to promote specific cultivars for collectors and gardeners across Europe.
The technique used is chromolithography, a colour printing process involving multiple lithographic stones, each inked with a separate hue. This allowed for highly realistic, richly coloured floral illustrations that maintain their visual impact even more than a century later.
Condition summary: Good to very good condition overall. Some light foxing and scattered age spots, mostly confined to the margins. Colours remain strong and well-preserved. No major tears or repairs noted. Slight age patina enhances the antique character.
Framing tips: These prints make a striking pair when mounted side by side in matching off-white or pale pink mounts. Choose light wood, white-painted, or vintage gold frames for a romantic and timeless botanical display. UV-protective glass is recommended to safeguard the colours from fading.
