About this sheet
A superb original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Theobroma cacao, the cacao tree, the tropical species whose seeds are used to produce cocoa and chocolate. The plate features a magnificent mature cacao pod alongside foliage, flowers, seeds, and detailed botanical dissections, illustrating both the beauty and scientific significance of one of the world's most important economic plants.
Native to the tropical Americas, cacao was introduced throughout Southeast Asia during the colonial period and flourished on the island of Java, where it became an important plantation crop. The scientific name Theobroma, meaning "food of the gods," was bestowed by Carl Linnaeus and reflects the high esteem in which cacao has long been held.
The artwork was painted from life by the renowned Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892) while living on Java. Her celebrated publication, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, is regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical works devoted to the remarkable flora of the Dutch East Indies. This plate was printed in vibrant chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent and published in the third edition issued in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.
With its dramatic crimson cacao pod, elegant foliage and detailed botanical studies, this print is among the most decorative and historically significant plates from the series, appealing equally to botanical collectors, chocolate enthusiasts and lovers of antique natural history.
This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.
Publication:
Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java
Printer:
P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent
Medium:
Original chromolithograph on wove paper.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.
