Botany · 19th century
€ 170
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
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-coloured. Study the images carefully.
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.
Condition: Light toning, small edge wear, but overall well-preserved with vivid colors.
