Botany · 20th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition report: Excellent condition with clean sheets, full margins, and vivid original hand coloring. Slight, even toning consistent with age; printed plate marks visible.
This graceful trio of hand-colored botanical engravings from 1902 showcases three distinct species within the Saxifraga genus—Saxifraga cernua (Drooping Alpine Saxifrage), Saxifraga granulata (White Meadow Saxifrage), and Saxifraga caespitosa (Tufted Saxifrage). Each plate highlights the intricate diversity of these hardy alpine and meadow plants, renowned for their resilience and charm in mountain and temperate habitats.
The first engraving, Saxifraga cernua, presents a delicate plant with a slender, nodding stem bearing pale white blossoms that droop slightly from their tips—hence the name “Drooping Alpine Saxifrage.” The artist skillfully captures the texture of the rounded, lobed leaves and the fine details of the flower’s anatomy, with hand-tinted watercolor bringing the illustration to life. The central plate, Saxifraga granulata, known as the White Meadow Saxifrage, depicts a more robust and upright plant with broad, softly scalloped leaves and pure white star-like flowers veined with faint yellow. Beneath the main figure, the inclusion of magnified floral and seed structures reveals the artist’s scientific precision. The final engraving, Saxifraga caespitosa, the Tufted Saxifrage, features a compact alpine form, its dense mat of tiny leaves giving rise to two slender stems crowned with small white blossoms—a perfect depiction of this species’ high-mountain tenacity.
Each illustration reflects the early 20th century’s meticulous botanical artistry, balancing scientific documentation with painterly delicacy. The compositions are simple yet refined, allowing the unique character of each plant to be fully appreciated.
Condition report: Excellent condition with clean sheets, full margins, and vivid original hand coloring. Slight, even toning consistent with age; printed plate marks visible.
Framing tips: These three engravings form a particularly elegant grouping when framed together. Ideal for display in natural wood, gilt, or whitewashed frames with ivory or pale grey mounts, enhancing the soft tones of green and white. Perfect for botanical or alpine-themed interiors.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Maker: British, published London, 1902
