Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874
Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, view 2
Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, view 3

Close-ups

Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, close-up 1Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, close-up 2Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, close-up 3Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, close-up 4Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, close-up 5

Framed and on the wall

Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, shown framedAlpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, shown framed on a wallAlpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874, shown framed in a room

Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.

Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow, 1874

$205 (£155, €180)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.

Date
1874
Size
9.8 × 6.5 in (24.9 × 16.5 cm)
Condition
Good. Condition summary: Both lithographs are in good antique condition, with only minor edge wear that adds to their authentic vintage charm. Only minor wear along the top right edges, which is, once framed, not visible.
Period
Late 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_45278262

Title: Alpine Botanical Prints of Alpine Blue Gilia and Purple Poppy Mallow

Description: This delightful pairing of botanical lithographs, published in 1874 by George Bell and Sons in London, features two captivating sets of alpine flora: the Alpine Blue Gilia (Triteleia laxa) and Snake’s Head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris) on the left, and the Purple Poppy Mallow (Callirhoe involucrata) with the Alpine Sea-lavender (Statice emarginata) on the right. These prints, part of the second series of Alpine Plants, highlight the skill and dedication of Victorian botanical illustrators, blending scientific study with artistic flair.

The left print showcases the graceful Alpine Blue Gilia, with its slender green stems and lovely lavender-blue blossoms, accompanied by the striking, checker-patterned Snake’s Head Fritillary, whose elegant drooping blooms are rendered with meticulous detail. The right print features the rich, deep red of the Purple Poppy Mallow’s vibrant flowers, offset by the soft lilac clusters of the Alpine Sea-lavender above a dense rosette of green foliage. Each illustration captures the intricate structures of these alpine plants, offering a vivid glimpse into the beauty of mountain ecosystems.

George Bell and Sons, a celebrated Victorian publisher, was known for their dedication to producing works that were as visually captivating as they were scientifically precise. The Alpine Plants series, with its blend of rich color and botanical accuracy, exemplifies this marriage of art and natural science, providing a fascinating window into the 19th-century passion for botany and exploration.

Condition summary: Both lithographs are in good antique condition, with only minor edge wear that adds to their authentic vintage charm.

Framing tips: Use classic wooden frames with soft green or cream mats to complement the botanical details and muted Victorian palette. This will enhance the rich colors of the flowers and leaves, creating a timeless and elegant display.