Large Masterpiece of Botanical Illustration from the Dutch East Indies, 1854
€ 1 400
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1854
Sheet size
69.7 × 54 cm (27.4 × 21.3 in)
Reference
BG-13714-7
Condition
good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. In the top border three remains of tape, not affecting the image. Some closed tears around the borders, not touching the image. Please study scans.
About this sheet
A large chromolithograph botanical illustration, featuring the orchid species Phaius blumei Lindl. The print comes from the 19th-century work "Illustrations d'orchidees des Indes Orientales Neerlandaises," by W.H. de Vriese.
The illustration depicts the Phaius blumei orchid with a large, prominent leaf and a flowering spike bearing several blossoms. Each flower displays a striking combination of colors, with white petals and a central part that ranges from pink to a deep red or burgundy. This detailed botanical artwork showcases the orchid's unique structure and coloration, emphasizing its natural beauty.
The label "Van Aaken. ad viv del." indicates that the artist, presumably J. van Aaken, drew this image from life, capturing the orchid's details with precision and care. The mention of "Lith royale de C.W. Mieling" attests to the high-quality lithography by C.W. Mieling, a renowned lithographer of the time.
The background is plain to ensure the plant stands out, and the scientific accuracy is evident, making the print valuable for both educational and decorative purposes. These prints serve as a historical record of the biodiversity in the Dutch East Indies and reflect the rich tradition of botanical illustration.
