Title: Collection of 10 Original Antique Tropical Fern Lithographs by E.J. Lowe, 1856
Description: An elegant collection of ten original hand-colored botanical lithographs depicting a remarkable diversity of tropical fern species from the celebrated botanical publications of Edward Joseph Lowe. Produced in London in 1856, these finely executed plates capture the graceful forms, intricate venation and distinctive reproductive structures that made ferns one of the greatest botanical fascinations of the Victorian era.
The collection includes the following species, identified by their historical Latin names and corresponding English descriptive names:
Polypodium latipes – Broad-Stalked Polypody Fern Polypodium karwinskianum – Karwinski's Polypody Fern Polypodium scolopendroides – Hart's-Tongue-Like Polypody Fern Polypodium simplex – Simple Polypody Fern Polypodium peltideum – Shield-Leaved Polypody Fern Polypodium spectabile (Pinna) – Showy Polypody Fern Polypodium terminale – Terminal Polypody Fern Polypodium palustre – Marsh Polypody Fern Polypodium concinnum – Elegant Polypody Fern Polypodium longissimum – Long-Leaved Polypody Fern Polypodium refractum – Bent or Recurved Polypody Fern
The scientific names shown beneath the plates reflect the nineteenth-century botanical classification used by Edward Joseph Lowe. While many of these species have since been reassigned to other genera, the historical nomenclature remains an important part of the original publication. Several of the English names are descriptive translations, as no universally accepted common names exist today.
Edward Joseph Lowe was one of the most influential British botanists of the Victorian period and a leading authority on ferns during the famous "Pteridomania" movement, when the cultivation and collection of ferns became immensely popular throughout Britain and Europe. His beautifully illustrated works successfully combined scientific accuracy with exceptional decorative quality and remain among the finest botanical publications of the nineteenth century.
This collection presents an outstanding variety of fern forms, from broad pinnate fronds and finely divided foliage to deeply lobed and shield-shaped leaves. Displayed together, the ten prints form a harmonious botanical ensemble that is equally suited to a period interior, contemporary home or professional collection.
Maker: Edward Joseph Lowe Place of publication: London Date: 1856 Technique: Original hand-colored lithographs Subject: Tropical ferns and botanical natural history Number of prints: 10
Condition: Good overall antique condition with age-appropriate toning, occasional foxing or small stains, and minor edge wear consistent with age and use. Some sheets retain small binding remnants or marginal irregularities from the original volume. Please study the images carefully.
The prints are original antique lithographs, not reproductions. All items we offer are authentic period works of art over 100 years old. The pieces are sold unframed; any framed images are shown for presentation and interior inspiration only and may not always be to scale.
Keywords: Edward Joseph Lowe, antique fern prints, botanical lithographs, Victorian botany, Pteridomania, Polypodium, tropical ferns, hand-colored lithographs, botanical illustration, natural history, scientific illustration, original antique print, botanical collection, nineteenth century, English botany, fern studies, decorative wall art, botanical gallery, plant illustration, botanical art
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