Hart’s Tongue and Scaly Spleenwort Ferns, Hand-Colored Botanical Prints, 1873

€ 290

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Date: 1873
Mapmaker / artist: Anne Pratt, England, 1873
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 24.4 × 14 cm (9.6 × 5.5 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14198-5 & BG-14198-6

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

Minor edge toning and faint foxing; images remain crisp.

About this sheet

Hart’s Tongue and Scaly Spleenwort Ferns – Antique Botanical Pair, 1873
A visually striking botanical pairing featuring two contrasting fern species: one broad and sculptural, the other compact and textured. The contrast between smooth, elongated fronds and densely layered foliage creates strong visual interest when displayed together.
These prints originate from Anne Pratt’s 1873 botanical publication and reflect the Victorian taste for dramatic yet orderly representations of nature. The deep green tones and confident forms give this set particular appeal for interior designers seeking botanical artwork with presence and structure.
Displayed as a pair, these engravings offer both balance and contrast, making them suitable as a focal feature in libraries, living spaces, or refined commercial interiors.

Condition:
Light age toning; scattered spotting visible on margins.

Framing tips:
Soft moss or stone-colored mats with medium walnut or ebonized frames.