About this sheet
Antique German Botanical Atlas Plates, Tafel 15–16, Bulb Flowers, 1885
A beautifully composed pair of original double-page botanical plates (Tafel 15 and Tafel 16) from M. Fünfstück’s important German botanical atlas Naturgeschichte des Pflanzenreichs, published in Stuttgart circa 1890. These richly illustrated sheets originate from the fifth edition of this celebrated educational work, combining scientific precision with refined decorative appeal.
Tafel 15 presents an elegant study of bulbous plants and ornamental garden species, including Fritillaria, Tulipa, Allium varieties, Hyacinthus, and Lilium martagon. The detailed botanical renderings display roots, bulbs, flowers, and structural elements with clarity, creating a harmonious and visually balanced composition. Tafel 16 complements the first plate with additional flowering bulb species such as Asphodelus, Scilla, Muscari, Ornithogalum, and related spring-flowering plants. The combination of soft greens, muted yellows, delicate blues, and gentle pink tones gives these plates a refined natural palette highly suitable for interior display.
These are original hand-colored wood engravings from the year of publication, not later reproductions. The double-page format enhances their visual presence, making them particularly attractive for framing either as a matched pair or within a larger botanical arrangement.
German botanical atlases of the late nineteenth century were designed to merge scientific education with aesthetic appreciation, and today they appeal to collectors of natural history, interior designers seeking organic decorative elements, and those curating botanical or Scandinavian-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 condition overall with light, even age-toning typical for late 19th-century paper. Minor handling wear to margins consistent with age. Colors remain fresh and well preserved. Clean impressions without significant foxing visible.
Framing tips:
A generous ivory or warm off-white mat (approximately 6–8 cm) enhances the antique paper tone. Dark walnut or black frames create elegant contrast and suit both classic and contemporary interiors. The similar layout and palette make these plates ideal for symmetrical pairing.
