Framed and on the wall
Frame and rooms are illustrations of how the print could look; the description says what is included.
Hand-Colored Botanical Engravings of Golden Saxifrage & Grass-of-Parnassus, 1902
£290 ($380, €340)
Period original, not a reproduction.
Shipped from the Netherlands, flat, insured and tracked, worldwide. Returns accepted within 14 days.
- Date
- 1902
- Size
- 10.2 × 6.7 in (26 × 17 cm)
- Condition
- Good. Condition report: Excellent condition with strong plate impressions and delicate original coloring. Minor, even toning consistent with age; plate marks clearly visible.
- Period
- 20th century
- Section
- Botanical
- Reference
- f_47478272
Hand-Colored Botanical Engravings of Golden Saxifrage and Grass-of-Parnassus, 1902
This refined trio of hand-colored botanical engravings from 1902 illustrates Chrysosplenium oppositifolium (Opposite-leaved Golden Saxifrage), Chrysosplenium alternifolium (Alternate-leaved Golden Saxifrage), and Parnassia palustris (Grass-of-Parnassus). These elegant depictions capture the luminous delicacy of moisture-loving wildflowers native to shaded woodlands, stream banks, and alpine meadows across Europe.
The first engraving, Chrysosplenium oppositifolium, shows a dense cluster of rounded, opposite leaves from which arise sprays of tiny golden-green flowers. The artist’s fine watercolour work highlights the subtle variation in hue between leaf and bloom, emphasizing the plant’s fresh, verdant charm. In the second plate, Chrysosplenium alternifolium presents a similar but more open composition, where alternate leaf arrangement gives the plant a lighter, airier structure, its slender stems and bright yellow blossoms perfectly illustrating its preferred damp woodland habitat.
The third engraving, Parnassia palustris, contrasts beautifully with the others through its elegant white, star-shaped flowers veined in pale green. Known poetically as the Grass-of-Parnassus, this alpine species has long been admired for its harmonious symmetry and purity of form. The artist renders its solitary stems and heart-shaped leaves with remarkable precision, reflecting both botanical accuracy and artistic grace.
Together, these prints form a balanced study of tone and composition, uniting the golden luminosity of the Chrysosplenium species with the ethereal beauty of Parnassia palustris.
Condition report: Excellent condition with strong plate impressions and delicate original coloring. Minor, even toning consistent with age; plate marks clearly visible.
Framing tips: Best displayed in soft gold or pale wood frames with ivory or warm cream mounts to highlight the subtle greens and yellows. When hung as a trio, they create a serene botanical statement suitable for living spaces, hallways, or conservatories.
Technique: Hand-colored engraving
Maker: British, published London, 1902
