Orchid Variations: A Study of Ophrys Species in 1904 Illustrations

€ 340

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

Date: 1904
Sheet size: 24 × 15 cm (9.4 × 5.9 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13691-51, BG-13691-52, BG-13691-53, BG-13691-54

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. One edge rough, but leaving enough space for matting or framing. Study the images carefully.

About this sheet

The collage presents a curated selection of Ophrys species, each meticulously illustrated to showcase the distinctive features that characterize these unique orchids.

The first image, "Ophrys araneifera Huds.," captures the spider orchid with its greenish petals and brown, velvety lip that mimics the form of a spider, enticing its pollinators.

Following, "Ophrys muscifera Huds." depicts the fly orchid, with dark, insect-like markings on its lip, a master of mimicry and deception in the plant kingdom.

The third, "Ophrys fuciflora (Crtz.) Rchb. F.," showcases the late spider orchid with a lip pattern resembling a female wasp.

Finally, "Ophrys apifera Huds." presents the bee orchid, which remarkably resembles its namesake pollinator.

This collection from Walter Müller's 1904 compendium illustrates the diversity and evolutionary ingenuity of the Ophrys genus, captured with scientific precision and artistic flair.