Hand-Colored Botanical Lithograph of Soapwort & Yellow Asphodel, 1854
€ 230
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1854
Sheet size
26 × 20.5 cm (10.2 × 8.1 in)
Reference
BG-14010-4
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
The print is in excellent condition with minor signs of age-related foxing and light edge wear. Colors remain bright and vibrant, with sharp detailing throughout.
About this sheet
Hand-Colored Botanical Lithograph of Soapwort and Yellow Asphodel, Calwer, 1854
This elegant botanical lithograph is from Carl Georg Calwer’s Deutschlands Technische Pflanzen (1854), a celebrated compendium of Germany’s technical and utilitarian plants. The illustration features Saponaria officinalis (soapwort) and Asphodelus luteus (yellow asphodel), both expertly hand-colored to showcase their distinctive forms and natural beauty. Soapwort, with its delicate pink flowers and smooth stems, was historically prized for its cleansing properties, often used in traditional laundry and soap-making. Yellow asphodel, with its striking flower spikes and fleshy roots, was valued in folklore and medicine.
The fine detail of the leaves, stems, flowers, and roots reflects the high level of precision and artistry characteristic of 19th-century botanical illustration. The scientific annotations provide added educational value, making this print not only a visual delight but also an insightful look into the practical and cultural significance of these plants.
This original lithograph is an excellent choice for collectors, educators, or anyone with an appreciation for botanical art. Measuring approximately 24 x 30 cm, it is suitable for framing and display, bringing a touch of natural history to any space.
