Lactarius Mushrooms – Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885
€ 202
Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)
Date
1885
Mapmaker / artist
Dr. Wilhelm Fünfstück, Germany, 1885
Technique
Lithograph:
Sheet size
32 × 42 cm (12.6 × 16.5 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-12369-1-4
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
Good antique condition. Mild toning, original central fold, and light edge wear consistent with age.
About this sheet
Lactarius Mushrooms – Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885
This refined late 19th-century lithograph illustrates several species of Lactarius mushrooms, known for their distinctive gill structures and milky sap. Published in 1885, the plate demonstrates the clarity and precision characteristic of serious botanical teaching illustrations of the period.
Dr. Wilhelm Fünfstück’s approach combines careful observation with a restrained color palette, resulting in a composition that is both informative and aesthetically balanced. The mushrooms are arranged to allow easy comparison of form and scale, while maintaining an overall sense of visual calm.
The subdued tones and elegant spacing make this print especially appealing for interiors that favor subtlety over bold contrast. It works well as a standalone piece or as part of a larger botanical grouping.
A central vertical fold is present, as issued.
Condition report: Good antique condition. Mild toning, original central fold, and light edge wear consistent with age.
Framing tips: Frame with an ivory mat and a simple black, ebonised, or medium walnut frame for a clean, scholarly presentation.
