About this sheet
Victorian Triptych of Alpine Flowers from Alpine Plants by David Wooster 1874
This rare and visually striking triptych features three original hand-colored lithographs from the celebrated 1874 publication Alpine Plants, edited by David Wooster and published by George Bell and Sons in London. This composition brings together three plates from the second series, each illustrating two meticulously depicted alpine flowering species, chosen for their visual contrast and botanical harmony.
From left to right, the plates present the following pairs: Hyacinthus amethystinus and Dianthus carthusianorum, Androsace lanuginosa and Campanula alpina, and Linum alpinum and Epilobium obcordatum. These alpine species, gathered from diverse high-altitude regions, were favored in Victorian horticulture not only for their hardiness and vivid coloration but also for their compact and ornamental forms that thrived in the popular rock gardens of the time.
Here are the English names for the alpine species shown in the triptych:
Left panel:
1. Hyacinthus amethystinus – Amethyst hyacinth or Spanish bluebell
2. Dianthus carthusianorum – Carthusian pink or clustered pink
Center panel:
3. Androsace lanuginosa – Woolly rock jasmine
4. Campanula alpina – Alpine bellflower
Right panel:
5. Linum alpinum – Alpine flax
6. Epilobium obcordatum – Rockfire or obcordate willowherb
Each flower has been lithographed with scientific precision and then delicately hand colored to enhance its lifelike appearance. The technique used in this series required a high level of craftsmanship, and every print is slightly unique due to the hand-applied pigments. The images are printed on thick, creamy paper with generous margins, a hallmark of quality botanical publications of the 19th century.
David Wooster, a prominent botanist and garden writer, was known for his accessible and visually rich documentation of ornamental and alpine plants. His role as editor of this volume helped make the diversity of mountain flora more widely appreciated, particularly among amateur gardeners and collectors. Alpine Plants was an ambitious attempt to combine aesthetic appeal with botanical education, and the result remains one of the most beautiful Victorian flower books.
The selection of species in this triptych showcases a palette of violet, lavender, rose pink and soft blues, balanced by a range of green leaf forms from spiky to rounded. Each plant is shown at peak bloom with roots and soil minimally suggested, allowing the floral structure and coloration to take visual precedence.
This work is ideal for framing as a unified horizontal set or displayed vertically in columnar format, depending on the space and aesthetic preference. It is a superb acquisition for collectors of antique botanical art, lovers of Victorian design, or anyone seeking refined natural beauty for their interior.
Condition and framing suggestion:
All three prints are in very good condition with strong original color, light edge toning, and clean margins. For best display, use pale ivory or light sage matting with a warm wood or brushed gold frame to enhance the antique tones and botanical detail.
