About this sheet
A decorative set of ten original hand-colored botanical lithographs illustrating twelve varieties of exotic ferns. Published in London in 1856, the plates were created for the celebrated botanical works of Edward Joseph Lowe, one of the most influential British fern specialists of the Victorian era.
The set includes the following species, identified by their historical Latin names and corresponding English descriptive names:
Polypodium attenuatum – Tapered Polypody Fern
Polypodium squamulosum – Scaly Polypody Fern
Polypodium loriceum – Clambering Polypody Fern
Polypodium musæfolium – Banana-Leaf Polypody Fern
Polypodium morbillosum – Blotched Polypody Fern
Polypodium glaucum – Glaucous or Blue-Green Polypody Fern
Polypodium drepanum – Sickle-Shaped Polypody Fern
Polypodium dissimile – Dissimilar Polypody Fern
Polypodium dictyocallis – Netted Polypody Fern
Polypodium rigidum – Rigid Polypody Fern
Polypodium Hendersoni – Henderson’s Polypody Fern
Polypodium filipes – Thread-Stalked Polypody Fern
The names printed beneath the images reflect the historical botanical classification used at the time of publication. Some species have since been reassigned to other genera, and several do not have widely established modern English common names. The English names given here are traditional or descriptive equivalents.
Edward Joseph Lowe was a central figure during the famous Victorian “Pteridomania” movement, when ferns became an obsession among collectors, gardeners and natural-history enthusiasts throughout Europe. His lavishly illustrated publications combined careful scientific observation with considerable decorative appeal and remain among the most attractive botanical works of the nineteenth century.
The plates show both upper and fertile undersides of the fronds, with carefully rendered veins, rhizomes and spore-producing sori. Their harmonious shades of green, graceful silhouettes and varied forms make the group especially suitable for display as a botanical gallery wall.
Maker: Edward Joseph Lowe
Place of publication: London
Date: 1856
Technique: Original hand-colored lithographs
Subject: Ferns and botanical natural history
Number of prints: 10
Condition:
Good overall antique condition with age-appropriate toning, occasional foxing or small stains, and minor edge wear consistent with age and use. Some sheets retain small binding remnants or marginal irregularities from the original volume. Please study the images carefully.
These prints are original antique lithographs, not reproductions. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The pieces are sold unframed. Any framed or interior images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Keywords:
Edward Joseph Lowe, antique fern prints, Victorian botanical art, Pteridomania, Polypodium, hand-colored lithographs, fern illustrations, botanical collection, natural history prints, tropical ferns, scientific illustration, Victorian decoration, antique botanical lithographs, original antique prints, English botany, botanical gallery wall
