About this sheet
Maranta Regalis: A Hand-Colored Lithograph from Louis van Houtte's Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe (1854-1855)
This hand-colored lithograph, created between 1854 and 1855, is an exquisite representation of the Maranta plant, specifically the variety Maranta regalis, which belongs to a genus renowned for its ornamental foliage. The print was originally published in *Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe*, a monumental work by the celebrated Belgian horticulturalist Louis van Houtte. His publication played a pivotal role in documenting and popularizing exotic plants during the 19th century, many of which were imported from far-flung regions through plant expeditions.
What makes this particular plant, Maranta regalis, so special is its striking aesthetic appeal—its dark green leaves are adorned with vivid pink and white venation that captures the viewer’s attention. The contrasting hues on the leaves are rendered with exceptional skill in this lithograph, using fine hand coloring techniques. The plant was chosen not only for its unique appearance but also for its adaptability as a decorative potted plant, often found in European conservatories and botanical gardens.
The condition of this genuine antique is good, with the central fold line being a characteristic of its original publication. The fold is an artifact of its inclusion in the multi-volume *Flore des Serres*, which often required large-format plates to be folded to fit into the bindings. Despite this fold, the lithograph remains a superb example of botanical artistry from the mid-19th century, offering both historical and aesthetic value to collectors and plant enthusiasts alike.
The piece reflects the Victorian fascination with exotic plants, as European gardeners and horticulturalists like Van Houtte strove to cultivate and display rare species, contributing to the development of modern botany.
The English name for the plant *Maranta regalis* is the Regal Prayer Plant. The common name "prayer plant" comes from the way its leaves tend to fold up in the evening, resembling hands in prayer.
Louis van Houtte (1810–1876) was a significant 19th-century Belgian horticulturist and nurseryman, playing a pivotal role in the advancement of botanical gardens and plant collecting throughout Europe. His nursery and botanical publications left a lasting impact on the world of horticulture.
Van Houtte began his professional life working in commerce, but after spending time in Brazil and France, he shifted his focus to horticulture. His experiences abroad, especially in Brazil, ignited his passion for exotic plants, which became central to his work.
In 1839, he established a horticultural nursery in Ghent, Belgium, which eventually grew to be the largest in Europe. The nursery spanned several acres and specialized in growing and distributing rare and exotic plants. Van Houtte’s vast knowledge of plants, combined with his ability to source them from around the globe, made his nursery a key destination for botanists and collectors.
Van Houtte is most famous for founding and publishing *Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe* (Flowers of the Greenhouses and Gardens of Europe), a celebrated horticultural journal that was published from 1845 to 1883. The publication was known for its beautifully hand-colored lithographs, which featured a wide variety of plants. To achieve this, Van Houtte collaborated with talented botanical artists such as Pieter de Pannemaeker and François Stroobant, producing detailed and vibrant illustrations that were highly regarded for their accuracy and beauty.
In order to expand his collection of plants, Van Houtte employed plant collectors who traveled to far-flung regions, including South America, Asia, and Africa. These collectors brought back many exotic species, such as orchids, palms, and other rare flowering plants, which were then documented and illustrated in *Flore des Serres*.
Van Houtte’s nursery became a central hub for introducing and popularizing new plant species in Europe, contributing to the widespread cultivation of exotic plants in gardens and conservatories. His work greatly influenced the ornamental horticulture movement of the Victorian era, particularly among Europe’s upper class, who were fascinated by the beauty and rarity of these exotic species.
In addition to his horticultural pursuits, Van Houtte also played a role in civic affairs. He served as the director of the Ghent Botanic Garden and held key positions within various Belgian horticultural societies. His expertise and contributions earned him significant recognition, and he became a leading figure in the horticultural community of his time.
After his death in 1876, Van Houtte’s legacy endured through his nursery and the continued appreciation of *Flore des Serres*. His contribution to the introduction and documentation of exotic plants has left a lasting mark on horticulture, and his work continues to be revered for...
