A striking 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen - Phytographia Curiosa, depicting a monumental aloe with architectural structure and a decorative cartouche. A powerful example of early botanical art combining scientific observation with theatrical composition.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts a Purple Aloe, traditionally identified as Aloe purpurea, from Abraham Munting’s Dutch work Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, published in 1696. The plate exemplifies a moment in botanical illustration when scientific observation was combined with strong visual staging.
Unlike later botanical prints, Munting’s compositions present the plant as an architectural form. The aloe rises in a dense radial structure, transforming a natural specimen into a monumental presence.
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The composition is dominated by sharply pointed leaves arranged in a powerful radial formation. Shades of deep green and cool blue create a layered chromatic structure, giving the plant both volume and tension.
The base of the plant is anchored by a rocky mound, rendered in warm earth tones that contrast with the cool palette of the foliage. This contrast reinforces the sculptural presence of the aloe.
Above, a winged putto carries a flowing cartouche bearing the plant’s name — a distinctly baroque element that transforms the engraving into a hybrid of science and allegory. This feature is characteristic of Munting’s work, where botanical subjects are elevated through symbolic and decorative framing.
The large format and generous margins further enhance the visual impact of the plate, allowing the composition to breathe and reinforcing its presence as a display object rather than a purely scientific illustration.
Aloe species were among the most fascinating plants introduced to European collections in the early modern period. Their sculptural forms and exotic origin made them highly desirable within botanical gardens and cabinets of curiosity.
In works such as Phytographia Curiosa, these plants were not only documented but also interpreted visually, reflecting both their botanical significance and their status as rare and remarkable specimens.
This engraving belongs to Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, published in 1696 by Abraham Munting — a work that captures the intersection of science, collecting and visual culture in the seventeenth century.
Examples with original contemporary hand-coloring are particularly scarce. Many impressions found on the market today have later coloring, whereas early colorings preserve a closer relationship to the engraved structure and a more refined tonal balance.
Explore the full collection of Munting botanical engravings: Munting – Botanical Prints.
Discover more in our editorial feature: Abraham Munting — Botanical Curiosity and Early Natural Science.
Excellent antique condition. Original hand-coloring remains fresh and vibrant with strong engraved definition. Printed on fine original laid (vergé) paper. The sheet retains generous original margins, clean and well balanced. No watermark observed. A particularly attractive and well-preserved example.
Specific References
A rare 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, depicting the extraordinary horned citrus (Malus citria cornuta). A striking example of early botanical curiosity, combining unusual natural form with refined decorative composition.
A striking 17th-century botanical engraving of golden holly, distinguished by its sculptural form and rare chromatic palette. A visually powerful composition blending natural history and decorative art.
A refined 17th-century botanical engraving depicting non-spiny holly, notable for its elegant foliage and vivid berries. A balanced composition combining natural observation with early decorative botanical art.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring exposed roots and a refined botanical composition.
A striking 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, depicting Aloe ferox in an elaborate ornamental vase. A highly theatrical composition combining botanical rarity, sculptural form and strong decorative presence.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Salvia lutea by Abraham Munting, featuring variegated foliage and a striking cabinet of curiosities composition.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a spiny Solanum (Solanum aethiopicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring thorned stems, vivid fruit and striking botanical contrast.
A refined 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen - Phytographia Curiosa, depicting a flowering plant presented in an elaborate sculptural vessel with allegorical figures. A distinctive example of early botanical art where natural observation meets decorative imagination.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Thapsia major by Abraham Munting, featuring architectural form, radial flowering and a rich landscape setting.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum) by Abraham Munting, featuring exposed root structure and elegant botanical composition.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a Clematis vine by Abraham Munting, featuring vertical growth, vivid blossoms and refined botanical composition.
A rare 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen - Phytographia Curiosa, depicting a cyclamen plant with exposed tuber, delicate pink flowers and richly patterned leaves. An expressive example of early botanical art combining scientific curiosity with striking decorative presence.
A rare 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen - Phytographia Curiosa, featuring original contemporary hand-coloring and generous margins — a refined example of early botanical art where science, curiosity and decorative composition converge.
A striking 17th-century botanical engraving of cyclamen, featuring exposed tuber, marbled foliage and vivid flowers. A refined composition blending scientific observation with decorative balance.
A refined 17th-century botanical engraving from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen - Phytographia Curiosa, depicting a flowering plant presented in an elaborate sculptural vessel with allegorical figures. A distinctive example of early botanical art where natural observation meets decorative imagination.