Bold Leaves and Butterfly – Hand-Colored Botanical Print from Meerburgh’s 1775 Series
This striking hand-colored botanical engraving, designated Tab. VII, is an original plate from 'Afbeeldingen van Zeldzaame Gewassen' (Images of Rare Plants) by Nicolaas Meerburgh, published in Leiden in 1775. As hortulanus (head gardener) of the celebrated Hortus Botanicus at Leiden University, Meerburgh was a leading figure in 18th-century botanical illustration. His work is admired for its blend of scientific precision and decorative appeal, with many plates—including this one—featuring a butterfly depicted in natural harmony with the plant.
This particular plate features a tropical plant with exceptionally large, veined leaves in dramatic shades of green, blue, and yellow. The bold foliage fills the upper portion of the composition, creating a canopy of texture and color. Beneath the arching stems hang a few trumpet-shaped white flowers, gracefully drooping and rendered with soft contour lines. The form and coloration of these blooms suggest a species cultivated in European glasshouses during the age of botanical exploration.
At the lower center, a butterfly with deep black wings adorned by orange spots and subtle iridescent scaling provides a rich tonal contrast to the surrounding plant. To the right lies a curled pod or seed capsule, placed as a detail reference—a common convention in Enlightenment-era botanical prints meant to provide viewers with a fuller understanding of the plant’s life cycle and structure.
Meerburgh’s plates are notable for their unembellished backgrounds and quiet elegance, allowing the specimens to stand out without distraction. His approach blends scientific clarity with refined artistry, reflecting both the Linnaean desire for classification and the Dutch tradition of visual restraint.
Condition: Very good condition for its age. Original hand coloring is vivid, especially in the variegated leaves and butterfly. The plate mark is sharp and intact. Minor spots of age toning, mostly in the margins, and one small speck near the butterfly. No folds or tears present.
Framing Tips: This vertical composition would be beautifully presented in a tall frame with a soft cream or natural linen mat. Consider a dark wood, maple, or ebonized frame to draw attention to the dramatic leaf pattern and vivid butterfly. Float mounting is ideal to highlight the plate edge and signature. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the original coloring. A perfect piece for botanical collectors, nature lovers, or classical interior design settings.
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