Pair of Hand-Colored Botanical Engravings of Wild and Cultivated Flowers, 1828

About this sheet

This vibrant pair of early 19th-century botanical engravings exemplifies the scientific artistry of British natural history publishing during its most elegant period. Published in London in 1828 as part of The Botanic Garden, these hand-colored prints depict a variety of wild and cultivated flowering plants admired in gardens across Europe. The combination of precise engraving and delicate watercolor application brings each specimen to life, capturing both the scientific character and visual beauty of the plants.

The left plate includes the Blazing Star (Liatris scariosa), Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), Evening Primrose (Oenothera fruticosa), and Bluebell Bellflower (Campanula persicifolia). The right plate presents the Shrubby St. John’s Wort (Hypericum corymbosum), Calceolaria (Calceolaria pinnata), Blue Speedwell (Veronica verticillata), and Japanese Pink (Dianthus japonicus). The variety of species—ranging from the bright yellow of the Safflower to the deep violet of the Bellflower—demonstrates the range of color and texture that made Maund’s botanical series so admired.

The Botanic Garden, edited by Benjamin Maund, was a pioneering work of its kind, bringing together scientific study and artistic skill in a form accessible to both scholars and enthusiasts. Each plate was engraved and printed in London, then hand-colored to highlight the subtle transitions of tone and form. The clarity of the linework and the luminous hand-coloring are characteristic of Maund’s best volumes, making them among the most desirable British botanical prints of the early Victorian period.

Condition report: Excellent condition with rich, original hand coloring and crisp impressions. Light toning and minimal handling marks consistent with age. Plate marks clearly visible on all sides; verso blank.

Framing tips: A vivid and well-balanced pair ideal for elegant interior display. Best framed in matching gilt or dark walnut frames with off-white or pale green acid-free mats. Their contrasting tones of yellow, pink, and blue flowers create a lively and harmonious effect suitable for a study, living room, or conservatory.

Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Maker: Benjamin Maund, London, 1828