Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831
Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, view 2

Close-ups

Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 1Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 2Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 3Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 4Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 5

Framed and on the wall

Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, shown framedAntique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, shown framed on a wallAntique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831, shown framed in a room

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

Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831

$650 (£490, €580)

Period original, not a reproduction.

Enquire about this print

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

Date
1831
Size
10.7 × 8.9 in (27.1 × 22.7 cm)
Condition
Good. Moderate toning and light surface marks consistent with age. No tears or losses.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_48077212
Colour
Hand coloured
What the condition grades mean
Excellent
Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good
Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good
Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair
Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Antique Caper Botanical Print, Capparis Spinosa, Hand Colored, c.1831

This elegant botanical engraving illustrates Capparis Spinosa, the caper plant, featuring its distinctive foliage and flowering structure. Capers were valued in Mediterranean cuisine and trade, prized for their pungent flavor and culinary versatility.

The plate originates from Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde and demonstrates the work’s inclusion of both luxury and everyday food plants. The composition combines botanical precision with decorative grace, making it one of the more visually charming subjects in the series.

Original hand coloring enhances the delicacy of the flowers and leaves, resulting in a refined and attractive image. This plate works particularly well in kitchens, dining rooms, or Mediterranean-inspired interiors.

Condition report:

Moderate toning and light surface marks consistent with age. No tears or losses.

Framing tips:

A pale ivory or soft stone mat paired with a light wood frame emphasizes the elegance of the composition.

Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832

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