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.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts a Golden Holly, identified as Agrifolium auratum, from Abraham Munting’s Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, published in 1696. The plate stands among the most visually striking examples of early botanical illustration, where natural observation is transformed into a bold and decorative composition.
Unlike conventional botanical plates, Munting presents the plant as a monumental and structured form. The composition elevates the subject beyond simple documentation, creating an image that is both scientific and distinctly artistic.
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The engraving is dominated by sharply serrated leaves arranged in a powerful vertical structure. The tonal range moves from deep olive greens to warm golden hues, creating an unusually rich and almost metallic chromatic effect.
The foliage radiates outward with rhythmic precision, forming a dense and sculptural mass that gives the plant an architectural presence. This strong geometry distinguishes the plate from more naturalistic botanical representations.
At the base, an ornate vessel decorated with classical motifs introduces a further layer of visual complexity. The presence of small human figures and decorative elements transforms the engraving into a hybrid composition, where botanical subject and artistic invention are seamlessly combined.
The large format and generous original margins enhance the impact of the composition, allowing the structure of the plant to unfold with clarity and authority. The result is a piece with exceptional decorative strength.
Agrifolium, or holly, has long been associated with ornamental cultivation and symbolic meaning. Variants such as auratum, characterised by unusual coloration, were particularly valued within early botanical collections.
In the seventeenth century, such specimens represented both botanical interest and visual rarity, making them ideal subjects for inclusion in works that combined scientific observation with aesthetic exploration.
This engraving belongs to Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, published in 1696 by Abraham Munting — a work that reflects a period when botanical illustration was deeply influenced by the culture of curiosity and display.
Examples with original contemporary hand-coloring are exceptionally scarce. Many impressions encountered today have later coloring, whereas early colorings such as this preserve a subtler and more historically authentic tonal structure.
Explore the full collection: Munting Botanical Prints.
Discover more in our editorial feature: Abraham Munting — Botanical Curiosity and Early Natural Science.
Excellent antique condition. Original hand-coloring remains exceptionally fresh and vibrant, with strong engraved definition throughout. Printed on fine original laid (vergé) paper. The sheet retains generous original margins, clean and well balanced. No watermark observed. A particularly strong and visually impressive example.
Specific References
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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a spiny Solanum (Solanum aethiopicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring thorned stems, vivid fruit and striking botanical contrast.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring exposed roots and a refined botanical composition.
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 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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Salvia lutea by Abraham Munting, featuring variegated foliage and a striking cabinet of curiosities composition.
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 cyclamen, featuring exposed tuber, marbled foliage and vivid flowers. A refined composition blending scientific observation with decorative balance.
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 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 Thapsia major by Abraham Munting, featuring architectural form, radial flowering and a rich landscape setting.
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.