Antique Natural HistoryOriginal plates from the naturalists' books, 1600s to 1900s
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 2
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 3
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 4
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 5
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 6
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 7
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 8
Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, view 9

Close-ups

Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, close-up 1Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, close-up 2

Framed and on the wall

Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, shown framedSet of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, shown framed on a wallSet of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830, shown framed in a room

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

Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830

€290 ($325, £245, €290)

Period original, not a reproduction.

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

Date
1830
Size
8.3 × 5.1 in (21 × 13 cm)
Condition
Good. Good antique condition with light foxing, minor age toning and small edge wear consistent with prints of this era. Plate marks clearly visible on all sheets. No tears or repairs. Hand coloring remains soft and well preserved.
Period
Early 19th century
Section
Botanical
Reference
f_47776882

Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Bromus Brome Grasses, c.1830

This elegant set of eight early nineteenth-century botanical engravings presents a complete group of Bromus species, commonly known as brome grasses. Produced around 1830, the plates capture the expressive movement and distinctive arching seed heads that give this grass family its characteristic beauty. Species included in the set feature Bromus mollis, Bromus racemosus, Bromus squarrosus, Bromus secalinus, Bromus arvensis and Bromus sterilis, each rendered with a combination of fine line engraving and subtle original hand coloring.

Each sheet displays the full plant habit along with precise botanical details such as florets, glumes, spikelets and root forms. These scientific elements add depth and authenticity to the illustrations, while the vertical composition and delicate greens create a naturally cohesive visual group. Taken together, the eight engravings form a rhythmic and airy collection ideal for display in garden rooms, hallways, studies, or any interior inspired by botanical themes or natural textures.

The soft coloration, slender stems and drooping heads of the grasses give this series a graceful presence that works equally well in modern, Scandinavian, country and classical interiors. The engravings retain strong plate impressions and the gentle toning of early nineteenth-century paper, adding to their decorative appeal.

Condition Report:

Good antique condition with light foxing, minor age toning and small edge wear consistent with prints of this era. Plate marks clearly visible on all sheets. No tears or repairs. Hand coloring remains soft and well preserved.

Framing Tips:

Ivory or warm white mats pair beautifully with the pale green tones. Simple natural wood frames such as oak, maple or birch give a fresh contemporary look. Slim gilt frames offer a more classical botanical presentation. Keeping the plate mark visible enhances authenticity.

Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: James Sowerby, London, c.1830