Botany · 19th century
€ 750
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good antique condition with age-related toning and minor foxing consistent with age. Please examine the photographs carefully.
An original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Poinsettia pulcherrima Graham, now known botanically as Euphorbia pulcherrima and celebrated worldwide as the Christmas Star or Christmas Flower. This exceptional plate was painted from nature by the renowned botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten and published in the third edition of Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de la Flore et de la Pomone de l'Ile de Java, issued by G. Severeyns in Brussels around 1880.
This striking composition showcases the plant's brilliant scarlet bracts surrounding its delicate yellow-green flowers, contrasted against richly textured emerald foliage. Additional botanical studies illustrate the flowers and fruit, creating a scientifically accurate yet highly decorative image. The vivid red coloration makes this one of the most eye-catching and festive plates in Hoola van Nooten's celebrated series.
Native to Mexico and Central America, the Poinsettia became one of the world's most beloved ornamental plants after its introduction to Europe and Asia during the nineteenth century. By the late Victorian period it had become highly prized in tropical botanical gardens, including those of Batavia (present-day Jakarta), where Berthe Hoola van Nooten painted her subjects from living specimens.
Produced using the sophisticated chromolithographic process, this print displays exceptional richness of color and subtle tonal gradations that faithfully reproduce the original watercolor painting. Hoola van Nooten's botanical illustrations are regarded among the finest chromolithographs of the nineteenth century, admired for their combination of scientific precision and artistic elegance.
Presented unframed. Images showing the print in a frame are for inspiration only. The frame is not included and may not be to scale.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning and minor foxing consistent with age. Please examine the photographs carefully.
Maker: After Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892)
Publisher: G. Severeyns, Brussels
Origin: Belgium
Date: Circa 1880
Medium: Original chromolithograph on paper with original hand-finished color.
Keywords: original antique print, poinsettia, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Poinsettia pulcherrima, Christmas Star, Christmas Flower, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Hoola van Nooten, botanical print, chromolithograph, botanical illustration, Victorian botanical art, tropical plant, ornamental plant, antique wall art, natural history print, nineteenth century print, collector's print, museum quality botanical art, original chromolithograph, festive botanical print
