Exotic Wildflower with Butterflies – Rare Botanical Engraving by Meerburgh, 1775

About this sheet

This exquisite hand-colored botanical print, marked Tab. X, comes from the 1775 first edition of *Afbeeldingen van Zeldzaame Gewassen* (Images of Rare Plants) by Nicolaas Meerburgh, published in Leiden by Johannes le Mair. As head gardener of the prestigious Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University, Meerburgh combined botanical precision with refined artistry, and his engravings remain among the most charming and scientifically valuable natural history prints of the Dutch Enlightenment.

The plate features an intricately illustrated flowering plant with arching stems, elegant serrated leaves, and vivid yellow-and-red spotted blooms that resemble the slipper-shaped flowers of the genus *Impatiens*. The curling petals and long spurs are depicted with exceptional care, capturing both the botanical structure and the exotic beauty of the species. The plant fills the vertical space in a naturally sprawling form, giving the image life and movement.

Two butterflies enhance the composition with their presence and color contrast. One, with richly patterned wings in chocolate brown and iridescent blue, is shown mid-flight near the upper right, adding balance to the design. The other, with earthy brown wings striped with delicate veins, rests near the lower left on the ground, giving a quiet and grounded element to the otherwise dynamic image.

Meerburgh’s approach—pairing rare cultivated plants from the university’s garden with butterflies—offered a more complete view of the botanical ecosystem and a visually appealing format that set his work apart from more clinical scientific illustrations of the time.

Condition:
Very good condition with strong plate impression and vivid original hand coloring. Margins show light aging, with faint toning and minor edge wear typical of 18th-century paper. No tears or repairs. Butterfly and floral details remain crisp, with careful pigment application and strong visual integrity.

Framing tips:
This upright composition will shine in a narrow vertical frame with generous matting to emphasize the height of the plant. Use a soft cream or warm ivory mat and a natural wood or antique gold frame to bring out the richness of the coloring. Float mounting is ideal to display the plate mark and signature. A fine addition to any botanical, scientific, or decorative print collection.