Antique Soursop Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880

Title: Antique Soursop Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880

Description: A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Annona muricata L., commonly known as Soursop, Guanábana, Graviola, or Guyabano. One of the most distinctive tropical fruits in the world, the soursop is admired for its large heart-shaped fruit covered in soft spines, aromatic white flesh, and refreshing sweet-tart flavor. Native to tropical America, it was introduced to Southeast Asia centuries ago and became widely cultivated throughout Indonesia and the Dutch East Indies.

The composition illustrates a fruiting branch bearing a mature soursop together with elegant foliage, flowers, and finely executed botanical studies of the fruit in section, seed, and floral structure. The dramatic green fruit, unusual texture, and balanced composition make this one of the most visually striking fruit plates in Berthe Hoola van Nooten's celebrated botanical masterpiece.

The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892). It was published in her masterpiece, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, widely regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical publications devoted to the flora of the Dutch East Indies. Printed in rich chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent, this plate was issued in the third edition published in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.

Today, the soursop is cultivated throughout the tropical world and is especially prized in Southeast Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America for its delicious fruit and ornamental appearance. This original antique print combines scientific importance with outstanding decorative appeal and ranks among the finest tropical fruit subjects in the Hoola van Nooten series.

This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.

Artist:

Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892)

Publication:

Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java

Publisher:

Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt, Brussels

Printer:

P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent

Date:

Circa 1880

Medium:

Original chromolithograph on wove paper.

Condition:

Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.

Keywords:

original antique print, original chromolithograph, botanical print, Annona muricata, soursop, graviola, guanábana, guyabano, prickly custard apple, tropical fruit, exotic fruit, Indonesian botanical art, Java, Southeast Asian flora, Dutch East Indies, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Victorian botanical illustration, nineteenth century botanical print, antique botanical wall art, natural history print, scientific illustration, P. De Pannemaeker, Muquardt Brussels, museum quality botanical art, rare botanical print, collectible botanical print, circa 1880

The soursop is one of the most recognizable and dramatic tropical fruits, with its impressive size and distinctive spiny skin making it highly decorative. Its international recognition and bold composition place it in the premium tier of the Hoola van Nooten series alongside Mango, Durian, Papaya, Cashew, Buddha's Hand Citron, and Cacao.