About this sheet
Set of Two Antique Mineralogy Chromolithographs, Granite, Calcite & Fossil Stone, 1888
A fascinating set of two original 19th-century mineralogical and geological plates illustrating minerals, crystals, polished rocks and fossiliferous stone. Published as Plates VIII and IX in Dr. Gustav Adolph Kenngott’s “Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus,” the plates combine precise scientific diagrams with beautifully colored representations of natural specimens.
Plate VIII concentrates on feldspar and rock-forming minerals, with crystallographic forms and polished geological specimens including orthoclase, amazonite, feldspar, labradorite, mica, chlorite and examples of porphyry and granite. Particularly striking are the large polished sections of labradorite with their vivid green, blue and yellow coloration and the contrasting granite specimens from Italy and Upper Egypt.
Plate IX illustrates calcite and related mineral formations together with remarkable fossil and cave deposits. Subjects include analcime, natrolite, stilbite, apophyllite and calcite crystals, alongside a large polished banded specimen of Sprudelstein from Karlsbad. The lower portion includes an unusual iron bloom formation and a stalactitic dripstone, as well as a richly detailed specimen of pea stone from Karlsbad.
Together, the two plates form an attractive pairing devoted to crystallography, mineral specimens, decorative stone and geological formations. Their combination of restrained scientific line drawing and richly colored natural specimens makes them particularly suitable for a study, library, office or natural-history inspired 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
PLATES: VIII and IX
PUBLISHER: J. F. Schreiber
PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Esslingen bei Stuttgart, Germany
DATE: 1888
MEDIUM: Chromolithographs on paper
SUBJECT: Mineralogy, crystallography, granite, porphyry, feldspar, labradorite, calcite, natrolite, stalactites and geological formations
STYLE / PERIOD: Late 19th Century / Victorian / Scientific Natural History
CONDITION: Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional spotting and minor marginal and edge wear. Plate VIII shows some wear/loss along the left margin. 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.
