About this sheet
Set of Four Antique Mineralogy & Crystal Chromolithographs by Kenngott, 1888
A fascinating set of four original 19th-century scientific plates illustrating mineralogy, crystallography, gemstones and geometric crystal structures. The plates form Plates I–IV from the mineralogical section of “Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus,” written by the distinguished mineralogist Gustav Adolph Kenngott and published by J. F. Schreiber in Esslingen, Germany, in 1888.
Plate I presents the fundamental geometry of crystallography, progressing from triangles, polygons and regular solids to increasingly complex polyhedra, prisms and pyramidal crystal forms.
Plate II continues with complex crystal combinations and optical phenomena, including striking colored diagrams illustrating the optical effects and double refraction of crystals.
Plates III and IV are particularly decorative, combining precise crystallographic diagrams with richly colored representations of minerals and gemstones. Among the specimens illustrated are diamond, ruby, sapphire, corundum, chrysoberyl, emerald, beryl, topaz, garnet, tourmaline, olivine, epidote, turquoise and lapis lazuli.
Published as educational scientific illustrations, the plates combine rigorous 19th-century mineralogical study with an unusually attractive graphic presentation. Together, the four sheets make an impressive decorative group for a study, library, office or contemporary interior.
These are original antique prints published in 1888, not modern reproductions.
AUTHOR / EDITOR: Dr. Gustav Adolph Kenngott (1818–1897)
WORK: Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus – Erster Teil: Mineralogie
EDITION: Fourth improved edition (Vierte verbesserte Auflage)
PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Esslingen bei Stuttgart, Germany
PLATES: I–IV
MEDIUM: Chromolithographs and lithographic illustrations on paper
SUBJECT: Mineralogy, crystallography, gemstones, crystal structures, geometry and optical phenomena
STYLE / PERIOD: Late 19th Century / Victorian / Scientific Natural History
CONDITION: Good antique condition with expected age-related toning, occasional spotting, minor marks and light wear to the sheet edges. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
FRAMING: Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
