About this sheet
Pyrenean Oxytrope and Spring Sandwort, hand-colored botanical print, 1874
This delicate hand-colored lithograph from 1874 features two alpine plant species: Oxytropis pyrenaica (Pyrenean Oxytrope) and Arenaria verna (Spring Sandwort). It was published in London by George Bell & Sons as part of the second series of Alpine Plants, a landmark Victorian botanical publication that blends scientific accuracy with artistic finesse.
The upper plant, Oxytropis pyrenaica, is native to the high altitudes of the Pyrenees. A member of the pea family, it is known for its striking violet-blue flowers and feather-like compound leaves. Its upright bloom and compact foliage are beautifully rendered in this print, with subtle hand-applied shading enhancing the natural textures.
Beneath it, Arenaria vernad, or Spring Sandwort, is shown in a mound of fine green leaves crowned with dainty white, star-shaped flowers. Native to alpine and subalpine regions across Europe, it thrives in rocky crevices and mountain slopes, making it a beloved species for rock gardens. The lithograph captures its airy structure and the refined symmetry of its blossoms with great care and clarity.
Produced using high-quality lithography and finished by hand with watercolor, each print in this series is unique. The paper is thick and lightly toned with generous margins. Colors remain vivid and finely blended, with especially strong contrast between the violet Oxytrope and the clean whites of the Sandwort.
Ideal for collectors of antique botanical art or for interior spaces inspired by natural themes, this piece brings the quiet beauty of alpine flora into the home. It also makes a thoughtful and refined gift for garden lovers or lovers of 19th-century illustration.
Condition summary and framing tips:
Very good condition with rich color and clean margins. Light age-toning near edges. Best framed with a soft white or pale lavender mat and a natural oak or silvered frame to complement both floral tones.
