Set of Two Antique Mineralogy Chromolithographs, Azurite, Malachite & Meteorites, 1888
DESCRIPTION: A striking set of two original 19th-century mineralogy chromolithographs illustrating colorful copper minerals, crystallographic forms, nickel and cobalt minerals, and historic meteorite specimens. Published as Plates XVIII and XIX in Dr. Gustav Adolph Kenngott’s “Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus,” the pair combines scientific mineralogy with particularly decorative natural-history imagery.
Plate XVIII is dominated by the brilliant blues and greens of copper minerals. It illustrates cuprite crystals together with richly colored azurite and malachite specimens, including azurite from Chessy, malachite from Siberia and other natural formations. Further examples include limonite, libethenite, dioptase, chalcopyrite and related crystal forms. The large blue azurite and deep green malachite specimens make this one of the most visually impressive plates in the series.
Plate XIX illustrates sulphur compounds, nickel and cobalt minerals before concluding with an especially interesting group of meteorites. Subjects include nickel minerals from Hesse, cobalt minerals from Schneeberg in Saxony, erythrite and crystallographic diagrams. At the bottom are three historic meteorite specimens: a meteorite from Aigle in Normandy, meteoric iron from Chile and meteoric iron from Mexico.
Together, the plates offer an unusual combination of vivid mineral specimens and early scientific representations of meteorites. Their blue, green and earthy palette, detailed crystallography and historical scientific interest make the pair particularly appealing for a collector, library, study, office or natural-history inspired interior.
These are original antique prints published in 1888, not modern reproductions.
AUTHOR / EDITOR: Dr. Gustav Adolph Kenngott (1818–1897)
WORK: Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus – Erster Teil: Mineralogie
EDITION: Fourth improved edition
PLATES: XVIII and XIX
PUBLISHER: J. F. Schreiber
PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Esslingen bei Stuttgart, Germany
DATE: 1888
MEDIUM: Chromolithographs on paper
SUBJECT: Azurite, malachite, cuprite, copper minerals, nickel, cobalt, crystallography and meteorites
STYLE / PERIOD: Late 19th Century / Victorian / Scientific Natural History
CONDITION: Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional spotting and minor marginal and edge wear consistent with age. Plate XVIII shows some staining/foxing near the upper left corner. Please examine the photographs carefully as they form part of the condition description.
FRAMING: Sold unframed. Any framed or interior images shown are for presentation and inspiration only.
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