Common Club Moss, Alpine Club Moss and Fir Club Moss – Botanical Triptych, 1873

€ 270

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

Date: 1873
Mapmaker / artist: Anne Pratt, England, published 1873
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 24.4 × 14 cm (9.6 × 5.5 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14198-59 & BG-14198-60 -61

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

Moderate age toning with light scattered foxing, consistent with age; images remain clear and visually balanced.

About this sheet

Common Club Moss, Alpine Club Moss and Fir Club Moss – Botanical Triptych, 1873

This distinctive botanical triptych presents three classic club moss species, illustrated with clarity and careful attention to structure. The plates depict the Common Club Moss, Alpine Club Moss, and Fir Club Moss, all characterized by low-growing, branching forms and finely textured foliage. When displayed together, the three prints create a unified composition with a gentle horizontal rhythm and a strong natural presence.

Published in 1873 as part of Anne Pratt’s respected botanical works, these engravings reflect Victorian interest in ancient plant groups that predate flowering plants and true ferns. Club mosses were particularly valued for their unusual appearance and botanical significance, qualities that are clearly conveyed through precise engraving and subtle hand coloring. The restrained green palette and generous use of negative space give this triptych a calm, almost modern aesthetic despite its 19th-century origin.

As a ready-made triptych, this set is especially appealing to collectors and interior designers looking for botanical artwork that feels slightly different from traditional fern imagery. It works well in studies, libraries, hallways, or contemporary interiors where quiet natural history subjects are appreciated.

Condition report:
Moderate age toning with light scattered foxing, consistent with age; images remain clear and visually balanced.

Framing tips:
Use matching mats in warm ivory, pale sand, or soft gray. Frames in light oak, natural maple, or slim dark-stained wood will complement the fine branching forms.