Exquisite Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving with Medicinal Plants, 1805
€ 170
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1805
Sheet size
23 × 19 cm (9.1 × 7.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-14000-8
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
Condition with some foxing and age-related wear, consistent with its age and due to handling over 200 years, adding to its patina. Original hand-colored. Study the images carefully.
About this sheet
This vibrant hand-colored copperplate engraving is part of Friedrich Johann Bertuch's renowned "Bilderbuch für Kinder" (Picture Book for Children), published in Weimar in 1805. Bertuch's 12-volume encyclopedia, created between 1790 and 1830, is a treasure trove of knowledge, featuring over 1,200 meticulously illustrated plates. This plate, marked "Plantes XCI," beautifully showcases botanical details, including roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits. The careful coloration highlights the artistic and scientific precision of the time.
Bertuch (1747–1822), a prominent German publisher and art enthusiast, designed this series to blend education with visual appeal, making complex subjects accessible to children and adults alike. His works covered diverse topics such as natural history, science, mythology, and cultural costumes, establishing him as a pioneer in educational publishing.
This engraving depicts several plants, including Atropa belladonna (Deadly Nightshade) with its bell-shaped flowers, Lonicera (Honeysuckle) with white blossoms and red berries, Cinnamomum (Cinnamon) bark, and possibly Zingiber officinale (Ginger) with its intricate root system. The vivid colors and detailed rendering make this a remarkable piece for collectors and enthusiasts of botanical art.
