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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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
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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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.
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.
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.
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.
Specific References
An elegant 18th-century botanical engraving depicting Helleborine, characterized by slender foliage and delicate pink blossoms. The refined vertical composition and original hand-coloring create a balanced and decorative botanical image.
A dramatic Cereus engraving by Richard Lancake, featuring a luminous night-blooming flower from Miller’s celebrated 18th-century botanical work.
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A rare set of four original 18th-century botanical watercolors, entirely hand-painted and rich in color and detail. A curated ensemble combining scientific observation with decorative elegance — perfect for refined interiors and collectors.
An elegant 18th-century botanical engraving of the Belladonna Lily (Amaryllis belladonna), published in Philip Miller’s Figures of the Most Beautiful, Useful, and Uncommon Plants. Presented in exceptional “like brand new” condition, this plate combines scientific clarity with refined decorative appeal, enhanced by fresh original hand-coloring.
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An original 18th-century hand-colored engraving depicting a Custard Apple (Annona sp.), from Philip Miller’s Figures of the Most Beautiful, Useful, and Uncommon Plants. Combining botanical precision with decorative clarity, the composition features both the plant and its distinctive fruit in sectional detail.
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