Orchid Elegance: Huge Exquisite Chromolithograph of the Dutch Colonial Era, 1854

€ 1 400

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

Date: 1854
Sheet size: 72 × 54 cm (28.3 × 21.3 in)
Reference: BG-13714-6

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

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 very large chromolithograph of the orchid species Dendrobium macranthum, as indicated by the text at the bottom of the print. It is from a collection called, "Illustrations d'orchidees des Indes Orientales Neerlandaises," by W.H. de Vriese.

The illustration depicts the orchid with strikingly patterned leaves and long, cascading stems bearing clusters of pink flowers. Each flower has an elongated shape with a larger lip, characteristic of the Dendrobium genus. The attention to detail in the depiction of the leaves, stems, and flowers suggests a high level of botanical accuracy.

The text "Van Aaken. ad viv del." indicates that the artist, J. van Aaken, drew this illustration from life, capturing the fine details of the orchid. The lithography was carried out by C.W. Mieling, as suggested by "Lith royale de C.W. Mieling," denoting the royal quality of the lithographic process used.