Exotic Victorian Fern Lithograph Collection with English Species Names, 1856
€ 840
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1856
Mapmaker / artist
Edward Joseph Lowe, London, 1856
Technique
Hand-colored lithographs
Sheet size
25 × 15.5 cm (9.8 × 6.1 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14242-69 to BG-14242-78
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
Good overall condition with light age toning, occasional minor spotting, and small handling wear consistent with age. Several sheets show minor edge wear and small marginal imperfections. Colors remain fresh and attractive.
About this sheet
Exotic Victorian Fern Lithograph Collection with English Species Names, 1856
A striking and highly decorative set of ten original Victorian botanical lithographs depicting rare and exotic fern species from Edward Joseph Lowe’s celebrated publication Ferns: British and Exotic, issued in London in 1856. These finely hand-colored lithographs illustrate unusual tropical Polypodium and related fern varieties, combining scientific precision with the elegant visual style that made Victorian botanical art so desirable.
The collection includes both the original Latin names and their modern or commonly used English identifications where known:
Edward Joseph Lowe was one of the most influential British botanists of the Victorian era and a central figure during the famous “Pteridomania” movement, when ferns became an obsession among collectors, gardeners, and natural history enthusiasts throughout Europe. His lavishly illustrated works remain among the most visually appealing botanical publications of the 19th century.
These lithographs are particularly elegant due to their minimalist compositions, with vivid green fronds isolated against warm cream paper. The refined detailing of the veins, spores, and leaf structures gives each print a sculptural quality, while together the group forms a harmonious decorative botanical suite. The varying forms — from delicate comb-like fronds to broad tropical leaves — create a visually rich arrangement ideal for modern interiors, conservatories, libraries, or curated gallery walls.
This set displays exceptionally well in dark walnut, museum black, or lightly gilt frames with wide ivory or oatmeal mats. Their refined Victorian botanical aesthetic works beautifully in both classical and contemporary interiors, especially spaces inspired by natural history, biophilic design, or English conservatory style.
The prints are original antique lithographs, not reproductions. The pieces are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
