Rivinus botanicals: Cracca, Genista & Coronilla, Leipzig, 1690s (set of 3)
Set of three late-17th/early-18th-century botanical copper engravings with period hand-colour, attributed to Augustus Quirinus Rivinus and his Ordo plantarum series (Leipzig, 1690s; likely the 1699 “flore irregulari pentapetalo” volume). Titled in a contemporary hand within neat double-ruled borders, the sheets depict: “Cracca minor / Cracca minor siliquis gemellis” (a vetch with paired pods and fine tendrils, two variants on one plate), “Genista / Genista spinosa” (a red-flowered broom and a spiny broom shown side by side, with a pod study), and “Coronilla” (a graceful compound-leafed broom with small yellow flowers). The papilionaceous, irregular five-petalled corollas and pod forms exemplify the Fabaceae, the very characters Rivinus used to structure his order. True plate impressions encircle each image; laid paper shows fragmentary two-letter countermarks at the outer edges, consistent with Dutch paper stock widely used by Leipzig printers at the time. Together the three plates form a coherent, decorative, and scholarly set from an early taxonomic landmark.
Sold here as three loose prints, unframed and unmatted. Any frames or matting shown in visuals are for illustration only; the price is for the prints only.
Condition report: Strong, well-coloured impressions with uniform age toning. Scattered spotting and small handling marks; occasional marginal smudges; a light tide mark at lower margin on some sheets; short edge nicks and tiny chips confined to blank margins; one plate bears a small manuscript number in the upper corner. Image areas clean and fresh. Plate marks clearly visible on all three. Blank versos.
Framing tips: Mount in wide ivory or soft-cream mats; consider a very thin olive or warm-grey fillet to echo the foliage. Ebonized or dark-walnut frames provide crisp contrast; a narrow gilt slip lends a restrained classical accent. Hang as a horizontal trio with consistent sight windows and generous spacing. Use UV-filter glazing.
Technique: Copper engraving with period hand-colour on laid paper (plate impressions present; sheets show partial two-letter countermarks typical of Dutch paper) Maker: Attributed to Augustus Quirinus Rivinus, Ordo plantarum, Leipzig, 1690s (likely 1699)
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