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

Close-ups

Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 1Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 2Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 3Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 4Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, close-up 5

Framed and on the wall

Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, shown framedAntique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831, shown framed on a wall

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

Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831

£925 ($1,220, €1,090)

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 age-related toning and light surface dirt. No structural damage.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_48077272

Antique Vanilla Botanical Print, Vanilla Aromatica, Hand Colored, c.1831

This highly decorative botanical engraving depicts Vanilla Aromatica, showing both the flowering vine and developing pods. Vanilla was among the most prized flavoring agents of the 19th century, closely associated with tropical cultivation and international trade.

The plate originates from Zenker’s Merkantilische Waarenkunde and exemplifies the publication’s focus on luxury commodities of botanical origin. The composition combines botanical precision with strong visual storytelling, making it one of the standout images in the series.

Original hand coloring is rich yet controlled, with fresh greens and softly colored pods that give the plate exceptional wall presence. This engraving is particularly attractive for kitchens, dining spaces, and refined interior settings.

Condition report:

Moderate age-related toning and light surface dirt. No structural damage.

Framing tips:

An ivory mat paired with a dark wood or black frame enhances the elegance and contrast of the image.

Technique: Copper engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: Jonathan Carl Zenker, Germany, 1831–1832