Blue Crinum Lily – 18th Century Bold Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving
  • Blue Crinum Lily – 18th Century Bold Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving
Blue Crinum Lily – 18th Century Bold Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving
Blue Crinum Lily (Crinum sp.) – Bold Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving, 18th Century

Blue Crinum Lily (Crinum sp.) – Bold Hand-Colored Botanical Engraving, 18th Century

€580.00
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A striking 18th-century botanical engraving depicting a Blue Crinum Lily (Crinum sp.), distinguished by bold hand-coloring and an elegant vertical composition. The vivid blue blossoms and sculptural foliage exemplify the expressive character of German botanical illustration.

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  Authentic antique prints

Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.

Blue Crinum Lily: Luminous Color and Sculptural Presence in 18th-Century Botanical Art

This original 18th-century hand-colored botanical engraving depicts a Blue Crinum Lily (Crinum sp.), rendered in a bold and expressive style characteristic of German botanical illustration of the period.

The composition is defined by its strong vertical structure and unusually vivid hand-coloring, giving the plant a striking visual presence that goes beyond purely scientific representation.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The engraving is structured around a central vertical axis, with elongated leaves unfolding in layered curves that create both volume and movement. These sweeping forms give the composition a sculptural quality, making it particularly effective in an interior setting.

The flowers, rendered in luminous blue tones with delicate yellow accents, introduce a rare and highly desirable chromatic contrast. The saturation and density of the pigments give the blossoms a vibrant, almost painterly presence.

At the base, the bulb and root structure anchor the composition, adding visual weight and reinforcing its botanical authenticity. The inclusion of seed and anatomical details further enriches the image without disrupting its decorative balance.

The result is a plate of remarkable clarity and visual strength, where bold color, elegant structure, and botanical observation are brought together in a highly refined composition.

Perfect for framing, this print is ideally suited for vertical arrangements or as part of a curated wall composition, bringing luminous color and sculptural elegance into refined interior spaces.

About Crinum

Crinum species are known for their dramatic foliage and large, elegant flowers, often associated with exotic and tropical botanical environments. Their distinctive form and rare coloration made them particularly appealing subjects in early botanical illustration.

In this engraving, the plant is interpreted with an emphasis on visual impact, reflecting a stylistic approach that values expressive color and decorative presence alongside botanical accuracy.

Heritage Stories

This engraving belongs to a group of 18th-century botanical plates distinguished by their bold hand-coloring and expressive character, often associated with German botanical production of the period.

The sheet is printed on fine Dutch laid paper bearing the watermark of J. Honig & Zoonen, one of the most renowned paper mills of the 18th century. Papers from this mill were widely used in high-quality European print production and are today regarded as a hallmark of craftsmanship and authenticity.

While stylistically distinct in its bold coloration and expressive character, this engraving can be understood within the broader context of 18th-century botanical publishing explored in the work of Philip Miller.

Explore the broader botanical context in our editorial feature: Philip Miller — Botanical Science and the Art of Cultivation .

Browse the complete collection: Miller – Uncommon Plants Collection , where works of different stylistic traditions come together within a unified 18th-century botanical corpus.

Condition Report

Excellent antique condition. A particularly crisp and fresh impression, with exceptionally well-preserved and vividly applied original hand-coloring. Printed on fine 18th-century laid paper, retaining generous margins and a bright, clean appearance. The sheet bears the watermark of J. Honig & Zoonen, visible in the paper. Minor signs of age may be present at the extreme edges, as expected, but the print remains exceptionally well preserved overall.

Details

  • Origin: German botanical school (18th century)
  • Subject: Blue Crinum Lily (Crinum sp.)
  • Date: 18th century
  • Technique: Copper engraving, bold original hand-coloring
  • Paper: Original Dutch laid paper (J. Honig & Zoonen)
  • Watermark: J. Honig & Zoonen watermark visible in the sheet
  • Dimensions: approx. 38 × 25 cm (sheet)
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