Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832
Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, view 2
Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, view 3

Close-ups

Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, close-up 1Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, close-up 2

Framed and on the wall

Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, shown framedBotanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, shown framed on a wallBotanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832, shown framed in a room

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

Botanical Beauty: Schlumbergera - The Christmas Cactus, circa 1832

£160 ($215, €190)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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

Date
1832
Size
13.3 × 10.2 in (33.8 × 25.8 cm)
Condition
Fair. Age-related toning. Shows some wear/tiny defects in margins and soiling/staining. Blank verso. Please study image carefully.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_35310942

The antique botanical print titled 'Cactus Truncatus' is a beautiful depiction of the Schlumbergera, commonly known as the Christmas cactus. Here's some information about this print:

1. **Title:** 'Cactus Truncatus'

2. **Botanical Significance:** The print showcases the Schlumbergera or Christmas cactus, a popular ornamental plant known for its vibrant and colorful flowers. This cactus is often cultivated for its attractive blooms, which typically appear during the holiday season, hence the common name "Christmas cactus."

3. **Origin:** The print originates from 'Sertum Botanicum. Collection Choisie de Plantes Les Plus Remarquables par Leur Elegance, Leur Eclat & Leur Utilite,' which can be translated as 'Botanical Wreath: A Chosen Collection of Plants Notable for Their Elegance, Splendor, and Utility.' The work was authored by Pierre Corneille Van Geel.

4. **Publication Date:** The print was published between 1828 and 1832, placing it in the early 19th century.

5. **Lithography:** The print is a lithograph, a printing technique that was widely used for botanical illustrations during the 19th century. Lithography allowed for the creation of highly detailed and accurate reproductions of plant specimens.

6. **Illustrator:** The lithograph plates for this work were created by de Burggraaff, based on drawings by G. Severeyns. These artists played a crucial role in accurately representing the botanical subjects in the print.

7. **Botanical Collection:** 'Sertum Botanicum' is a collection of botanical illustrations that highlights the elegance, splendor, and utility of various plant species. It was a valuable resource for botanists, horticulturists, and plant enthusiasts of its time.

This antique botanical print not only serves as a visual delight but also contributes to the historical documentation of plant species that were of interest during the 19th century. It reflects the appreciation of botanical diversity and the desire to capture the beauty of nature in art and science.