About this sheet
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Wheat, Barley and Ryegrasses, c.1830
This set of eight early nineteenth-century botanical engravings presents several important European cereal and pasture grasses, including Triticum junceum, Triticum repens, Triticum radicosum, Triticum loliaceum, Hordeum pratense and Lolium perenne. Produced around 1830, these engravings were created during a period of heightened agricultural study and offer a precise visual record of the structure, seed heads and growth habits of key food and forage species.
Each plate is rendered in fine copperplate linework with subtle original hand coloring. The engravings depict the full form of each plant, with characteristic upright stems, dense compact seed spikes and the distinctive glume structures of the wheat and barley family. Beneath the main illustration, detailed inset studies show spikelets, florets, seeds and root structures, adding scientific clarity and visual depth.
The consistent size, composition and engraving style make these eight sheets a naturally cohesive group. Displayed together, they offer a striking blend of agricultural history and botanical beauty. Their clean, vertical format and calm natural palette make them ideal for kitchens, dining spaces, farmhouses, garden rooms, studies or any interior with a rustic, botanical or heritage-inspired aesthetic.
Condition Report:
Good antique condition with mild toning, occasional foxing and light edge wear consistent with early nineteenth-century paper. Strong visible plate impressions on all sheets. No tears or repairs. Hand coloring remains soft and well preserved.
Framing Tips:
Use warm white or ivory mats to highlight the engraving lines. Natural wood frames such as oak, birch or ash give a fresh, contemporary look, while slim gilt frames create an elegant traditional presentation. Keeping the plate impression visible adds authenticity.
Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring
Maker: James Sowerby, London, c.1830
