Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885

Close-ups

Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 1Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 2Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 3Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 4Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 5Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, close-up 6

Framed and on the wall

Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, shown framedLactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, shown framed on a wallLactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885, shown framed in a room

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

Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885

£170 ($225, €202)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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

Date
1885
Size
12.6 × 16.5 in (32 × 42 cm)
Condition
Good. Good antique condition. Mild toning, original central fold, and light edge wear consistent with age.
Period
Late 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_48482682

Lactarius Mushrooms, Antique Fungi Lithograph, Natural History Print 1885

This refined late 19th-century lithograph illustrates several species of Lactarius mushrooms, known for their distinctive gill structures and milky sap. Published in 1885, the plate demonstrates the clarity and precision characteristic of serious botanical teaching illustrations of the period.

Dr. Wilhelm Fünfstück’s approach combines careful observation with a restrained colour palette, resulting in a composition that is both informative and aesthetically balanced. The mushrooms are arranged to allow easy comparison of form and scale, while maintaining an overall sense of visual calm.

The subdued tones and elegant spacing make this print especially appealing for interiors that favour subtlety over bold contrast. It works well as a standalone piece or as part of a larger botanical grouping.

A central vertical fold is present, as issued.

Condition report:

Good antique condition. Mild toning, original central fold, and light edge wear consistent with age.

Framing tips:

Frame with an ivory mat and a simple black, ebonised, or medium walnut frame for a clean, scholarly presentation.

Technique: Lithograph:

Maker: Dr. Wilhelm Fünfstück, Germany, 1885