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.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts Spina Bifaria, historically described as Spina bifaria frutescens americana, from Abraham Munting’s Dutch work Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, published in 1696. The plate reflects a period when botanical illustration extended beyond pure scientific observation into the realm of visual composition and symbolic presentation.
Unlike later botanical engravings, the plant is not presented in isolation but placed within an elaborate ornamental setting, transforming the subject into a refined decorative object as much as a botanical study.
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The composition is structured around a richly decorated vessel, adorned with sculptural figures that introduce a distinctly classical dimension. This base anchors the engraving and elevates the plant above the level of simple natural representation.
From this architectural foundation rise slender stems bearing green foliage punctuated by small, vivid blossoms in red and yellow. The vertical arrangement creates a balanced and rhythmic composition, with each branch contributing to the overall harmony.
The presence of the human figures transforms the image into a hybrid of botanical illustration and decorative art, characteristic of Munting’s vision. The engraving becomes not only a record of a plant, but a carefully staged composition where nature and artistic invention meet.
The large format and generous margins further enhance the clarity of the composition, giving the engraving a refined presence suitable both for collectors and for interior display.
Plants described under names such as Spina bifaria reflect the fluid botanical nomenclature of the seventeenth century, when classification systems were still evolving and many species were recorded according to their visible characteristics.
In works such as Phytographia Curiosa, these plants were selected not only for their botanical interest but also for their visual appeal, contributing to a broader culture of collecting and display that defined early modern natural history.
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 artistic representation in the seventeenth century.
Examples with original contemporary hand-coloring are particularly scarce. Many impressions encountered 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.
Specific References
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 - 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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Salvia lutea by Abraham Munting, featuring variegated foliage and a striking cabinet of curiosities composition.
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.
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, featuring original contemporary hand-coloring and generous margins — a refined example of early botanical art where science, curiosity and decorative composition converge.
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 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.
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.
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 spiny Solanum (Solanum aethiopicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring thorned stems, vivid fruit and striking botanical contrast.
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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Thapsia major by Abraham Munting, featuring architectural form, radial flowering and a rich landscape setting.
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.