Title: Elegant 1805 Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving of Bulbous Plants from Bertuch
Description: This detailed hand-colored botanical engraving is taken from Friedrich Justin Bertuch’s *Porte-Feuille des Enfants* (Children's Portfolio), published in 1805. It features two finely illustrated plants with intricate depictions of their leaves, flowers, and underground bulb structures, emphasizing the scientific and artistic precision typical of the period.
The engraving depicts: - Fig. 1: A plant resembling the Arum family, characterized by its large, textured leaves and distinctive spathe and spadix structure. The additional illustrations of the berry and bulb (marked B and C) provide further botanical detail. - Fig. 2: A blooming Colchicum or Meadow Saffron, noted for its vibrant pink flower, elongated leaves, and bulbous base, often used to depict the autumn-flowering beauty of this species.
This plate exemplifies Bertuch’s commitment to blending education with aesthetic appeal, offering a valuable resource for understanding early botanical studies. It is ideal for collectors of antique botanical prints, garden historians, or those who appreciate Enlightenment-era natural history.
Condition: Minor foxing and light toning along the edges; the vibrant hand-coloring remains rich and beautifully preserved.
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