Reptiles & Amphibians · 19th century
€ 140
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good antique condition with minimal signs of age. Clean image area and vibrant colour. Slight toning near margins.
White Cupflower and Hairy Toadflax, hand-coloured botanical print, 1874
This elegant hand-coloured botanical print from 1874 features two alpine flowering plants: Nierembergia rivularis (White Cupflower) and Linaria villosa (Hairy Toadflax). Published by George Bell & Sons in London as part of the second series of Alpine Plants, this plate reflects the 19th-century fascination with rare mountain flora and the artistry of detailed botanical illustration.
The upper image shows Nierembergia rivularis, also known as White Cupflower or Water Nierembergia. Native to South America and sometimes found in alpine gardens, this compact perennial is admired for its pristine white, trumpet-shaped flowers and lush, rounded foliage. The illustration captures the softness of the petals and the structured density of the leaf clusters with clarity and finesse.
Below it, Linaria villosa, or Hairy Toadflax, is portrayed as a trailing plant with small, downy leaves and delicate lilac to pale violet blooms. The flower detail reveals soft petal markings and a natural elegance, contrasting beautifully with the more upright cupflower above. Its texture-rich stems and leaf structures are highlighted through careful lithographic linework and hand-colouring.
Each print in this publication was produced using lithography and hand-finished in watercolour, giving every plate a unique character. The paper is a thick, creamy stock typical of fine 19th-century botanical works, with generous margins and a faint aged tone that enhances its antique appeal. The colours remain clear and fresh, particularly the contrast between the soft white blooms and the fine green foliage.
Perfect for framing in a conservatory, library, or botanical-themed space, this print is both a decorative and scholarly addition to any collection of antique natural history art.
Condition summary and framing tips:
Very good antique condition with minimal signs of age. Clean image area and vibrant colour. Ideal for framing with a soft grey or cream mat and a light maple or brushed silver frame to complement the white and lilac tones.
