About this sheet
Antique German Botanical Atlas Plates, Tafel 19–20, Grasses & Exotic Plants, 1885
A finely composed pair of original double-page botanical plates (Tafel 19 and Tafel 20) from M. Fünfstück’s important German botanical atlas Naturgeschichte des Pflanzenreichs, published in Stuttgart circa 1890. These plates originate from the fifth edition of this richly illustrated educational work, combining scientific precision with decorative elegance characteristic of late nineteenth-century botanical illustration.
Tafel 19 presents a detailed study of grasses and rushes (Juncus and related species), arranged with scientific clarity and delicate structural rendering. The slender vertical forms create a rhythmic composition with subtle tonal variations in green and earthy hues, reflecting the natural diversity of wetland and meadow plants.
Tafel 20 provides a striking contrast with a selection of ornamental and exotic species, including Crocus, Iris, Gladiolus, pineapple (Ananas), Bromeliads, Tillandsia, Curcuma, and Zingiber. The varied plant forms and brighter colour accents — including reds, yellows, and soft blues — create a visually dynamic sheet that pairs beautifully with the more restrained botanical studies of Tafel 19.
These are original hand-coloured wood engravings from the year of publication, not later reproductions. The double-page format enhances their decorative impact, making them ideal for framing as a complementary pair or within a larger botanical wall arrangement.
German botanical atlases of this period were designed to combine scientific instruction with aesthetic presentation. Today they appeal to collectors of natural history prints, interior designers seeking botanical themes, and those creating refined Scandinavian, academic, or garden-inspired interiors.
The prints are offered unframed, enabling custom framing to personal or interior preferences. Any framed images shown are for visual inspiration only.
Condition report:
Very good overall condition with light, even age-toning typical of late 19th-century paper. Minor marginal handling wear consistent with bound plates. Colours remain fresh and well preserved. No significant foxing visible.
Framing tips:
A generous warm ivory mat (approximately 6–8 cm) enhances the antique paper tone and provides visual balance. Dark walnut or matte black frames create elegant contrast. The vertical rhythm of Tafel 19 pairs especially well beside the richer colour palette of Tafel 20, creating an attractive balanced display.
Technique: Hand-colored wood engraving
Maker: M. Fünfstück, Stuttgart, circa 1890
