Botany · 19th century
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Good condition with vibrant colours and light age toning at edges. Wrinkled on the right borders but mostly outside the framing areas. Study the images carefully.
Victorian Triptych of Alpine Flowers with Gentian, Cyclamen and Sedum 1874
This richly detailed and beautifully coloured botanical triptych presents three hand-coloured lithographs from the second series of Alpine Plants, edited by David Wooster and published in London by George Bell and Sons in 1874. This celebrated Victorian work is renowned for its artistic excellence and scientific precision, showcasing some of the most remarkable flowering plants native to alpine environments.
The left panel features Sedum kamtschaticum, known as Kamchatka stonecrop, and Scutellaria macrantha, or large-flowered skullcap. Sedum is a succulent species with golden-yellow star-shaped flowers and thick, fleshy foliage, native to East Asia and valued in rock gardens for its resilience. The skullcap, in contrast, bears dramatic blue-violet hooded flowers and is found in the mountainous regions of central Asia. Their contrasting structures and bold colours create an energetic botanical pairing.
The central panel displays Viola biflora, or yellow wood violet, and Cyclamen repandum, the spring-flowering Mediterranean cyclamen. Viola biflora is a delicate alpine species with cheerful yellow blooms and round green leaves, thriving in moist high-altitude meadows. Cyclamen repandum brings a rich contrast with its deep crimson reflexed petals and marbled foliage, both striking and elegant in its low-growing habit.
The right panel highlights Gentiana bavarica, or Bavarian gentian, and Primula minima, also known as the snowbell or alpine primrose. Gentiana is a classic alpine genus beloved for its intense deep blue flowers. This species forms compact mats and blooms in spring across mountain ranges of Central Europe. Primula minima, by contrast, offers a soft and spreading cushion of pale pink starry flowers. Together, they reflect the diversity of alpine colour and form.
Each plate was originally lithographed and then coloured by hand, making every print slightly unique. The images are printed on creamy, thick paper with generous margins. David Wooster, a horticulturist and botanical writer, helped to popularise alpine and ornamental plants in Victorian Britain. His editorship brought together the scientific and artistic talents needed to produce one of the finest botanical publications of the era.
This triptych is well suited for framing in a single horizontal display or as separate verticals. The colour palette is vibrant yet harmonious, ideal for naturalistic interiors, studies, conservatories or garden-themed rooms.
Condition and framing suggestion:
All three prints are in very good condition with crisp detail and strong original colours. A pale ivory or soft sage mat with natural wood or gold leaf frames will enhance the colours and respect the antique character of the set.
