Set of Two Antique Mineralogy Chromolithographs, Fluorite, Amber & Coal, 1888
DESCRIPTION: A fascinating set of two original 19th-century mineralogy chromolithographs illustrating crystals, minerals, amber and varieties of coal. Published as Plates XIII and XIV in Dr. Gustav Adolph Kenngott’s “Naturgeschichte des Mineralreichs für Schule und Haus,” the plates combine detailed crystallographic diagrams with beautifully colored natural specimens.
Plate XIII is devoted principally to fluorite, barite and related minerals. Particularly striking are two large fluorite specimens from Cumberland, together with crystallographic studies of witherite, barite, celestine, aragonite and nitratine. The plate combines geometric crystal forms with natural mineral specimens, demonstrating the scientific approach to mineral classification in the late 19th century.
Plate XIV provides an especially interesting contrast between brilliant mineral crystals and organic geological materials. It includes yellow sulphur crystals from Girgenti in Sicily, a mellite crystal, graphite, anthracite and several varieties of coal and lignite. Most appealing is a large specimen of Baltic amber containing insects, accompanied by another example of amber embedded in Carpathian sandstone.
Together, these two plates offer an unusual visual survey of crystallography, mineralogy and geological materials, ranging from fluorite and sulphur to amber, anthracite and fossil fuels. The combination of scientific accuracy, strong graphic forms and warm period coloring makes the pair particularly decorative for a study, library, 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: XIII and XIV
PUBLISHER: J. F. Schreiber
PLACE OF PUBLICATION: Esslingen bei Stuttgart, Germany
DATE: 1888
MEDIUM: Chromolithographs on paper
SUBJECT: Fluorite, barite, celestine, sulphur, amber with insects, graphite, anthracite, coal and crystallography
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. 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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