Lanceolate, Black Spleenwort & Wall Rue – Botanical Triptych, 1873

€ 270

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, published 1873
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Sheet size: 24.4 × 14 cm (9.6 × 5.5 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-14198-56 & BG-14198-57 -58

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

Moderate age toning with light scattered foxing, consistent with age; overall well preserved with clear impressions.

About this sheet

Lanceolate Spleenwort, Black Spleenwort and Wall Rue – Botanical Triptych, 1873

This refined botanical triptych brings together three closely related spleenwort species, illustrated with clarity, restraint, and precise botanical detail. The Lanceolate Spleenwort, Black Spleenwort, and Wall Rue are shown with slender fronds and distinctive growth habits, creating a visually cohesive set defined by elegance and subtle variation. Displayed side by side, the three prints form a calm, balanced composition that rewards closer inspection without overwhelming the space.

The engravings were published in 1873 as part of Anne Pratt’s respected botanical publications, admired in the Victorian period for their educational clarity and decorative refinement. Spleenworts were of particular interest to 19th-century botanists for their ability to thrive in rocky and wall-bound environments, and these illustrations clearly convey their structural character. The restrained green tones and generous negative space give the triptych a timeless quality that works well in both traditional and contemporary interiors.

As a ready-made triptych, this set is especially appealing to collectors and interior designers seeking botanical artwork with a quieter, more scholarly elegance. It is well suited for studies, libraries, hallways, or curated gallery walls where subtle natural history imagery is desired.

Condition report:
Moderate age toning with light scattered foxing, consistent with age; overall well preserved with clear impressions.

Framing tips:
Use matching mats in warm ivory, soft parchment, or pale stone. Frames in light walnut, natural oak, or slim dark-stained wood will complement the refined linear forms.