Botany · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Superb early impressions with fine original hand-coloring. Minor foxing near upper margin and light toning consistent with age. Paper remains crisp, with strong plate marks and no tears or repairs.
Pair of Botanical Engravings from The Botanic Garden by B. Maund, London c.1836
This elegant pair of hand-colored botanical engravings originates from Benjamin Maund’s celebrated publication *The Botanic Garden; consisting of Highly Finished Representations of Hardy Ornamental Flowering Plants Cultivated in Great Britain*, Volume VII, published in London circa 1836. Maund’s series is regarded as one of the most beautifully executed botanical works of the 19th century, blending scientific detail with artistic refinement.
The first engraving presents *Leptosiphon androsaceus* (false babystars), *Genista radiata* (winged broom), *Calceolaria Fothergilli-thyrsiflora* (pocketbook flower), and *Funkia ovata* (hosta). The second plate features *Ribes glutinosum* (flowering currant), *Thalictrum tuberosum* (tuberous meadow rue), *Statice latifolia* (sea lavender), and *Helenium undulatum* (sneezeweed). Each plant is delicately rendered, revealing both structural precision and natural color harmony, characteristic of Maund’s distinguished approach to botanical art.
Benjamin Maund (1790–1864), a Fellow of the Linnean Society, sought to unite horticultural scholarship and visual elegance. His *Botanic Garden* featured copperplate engravings drawn by E.D. Smith and engraved by S. Watts, later finished by hand with watercolors to capture the freshness and subtleties of living specimens. Maund’s work not only celebrated horticultural diversity but also educated Victorian gardeners and collectors about ornamental plant cultivation in Great Britain.
These particular compositions exemplify the technical and aesthetic excellence of early Victorian botanical illustration—each subject carefully arranged to emphasize both form and botanical clarity. Together, they create a refined visual record of the era’s fascination with exotic and native flora alike.
Condition report:
Superb early impressions with fine original hand-coloring. Minor foxing near upper margin and light toning consistent with age. Paper remains crisp, with strong plate marks and no tears or repairs.
Framing tips:
Frame the pair in matching ivory or light green mats with slim gilt or natural wood frames. Their balanced design and luminous coloring make them ideal for display in botanical-themed or classical interiors.
Technique: Hand-colored copperplate engraving
Maker: Engraved by S. Watts after E.D. Smith; published by Benjamin Maund, London, c.1836
