Spina Bifaria – Abraham Munting Antique Botanical Engraving
  • Spina Bifaria – Abraham Munting Antique Botanical Engraving
Spina Bifaria – Abraham Munting Antique Botanical Engraving
Spina Bifaria (Spina bifaria frutescens americana) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Abraham Munting, Antique Botanical Print

Spina Bifaria (Spina bifaria frutescens americana) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Abraham Munting, Antique Botanical Print

€1,250.00
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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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  Authentic antique prints

Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.

Spina Bifaria: Botanical Elegance Framed by Sculptural Ornament

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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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

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.

About the Species

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.

Heritage Stories

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.

Condition Report

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.

Details

  • Author: Abraham Munting
  • Work: Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen (later known as Phytographia Curiosa)
  • Species: Spina Bifaria (Spina bifaria frutescens americana)
  • Year: 1696 (edition)
  • Technique: Original copper engraving, entirely hand-colored
  • Paper: Original laid (vergé) paper
  • Watermark: None observed
  • Sheet size: approx. 44 × 29 cm
U34
1 Item

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