Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a Clematis vine by Abraham Munting, featuring vertical growth, vivid blossoms and refined botanical composition.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts Clematis, traditionally identified as Clematis species, from Abraham Munting’s Dutch work Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, published in 1696.
Unlike later botanical illustration, Munting’s compositions present the plant as a complete organism and a staged subject — roots, stems, leaves and flowers arranged along a defined structure, transforming natural history into a refined form of botanical theatre.
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The composition is built around a strong vertical axis, with the climbing plant supported by a slender stake that guides its upward development. This architectural structure gives the engraving a clear sense of height and elegance.
The elongated leaves create a rhythmic pattern along the stem, their narrow forms contrasting with the expressive flowers. Two blossoms stand out in particular: one open, radiant and star-shaped, the other more pendulous and complex, introducing variation and visual movement.
The chromatic interplay between fresh greens and vibrant reds enhances the decorative quality of the plate, while the delicate tendrils reinforce the sense of natural growth and motion.
At the base, a refined landscape with water and distant trees situates the plant within a wider environment. This integration reflects Munting’s characteristic approach, where botanical subjects are not isolated specimens but part of a broader visual and intellectual composition.
Clematis species were highly valued in early European horticulture for their climbing habit and ornamental flowers. Their ability to grow vertically made them particularly suited to gardens designed with structure and elevation in mind.
In the seventeenth century, such plants were admired not only for their beauty but for their dynamic growth, embodying the fascination with transformation and variety that defined the culture of botanical collecting.
This engraving belongs to Nauwkeurige Beschryving der Aardgewassen, later known as Phytographia Curiosa, published in 1696 by Abraham Munting — a work that captures a transitional moment in the history of botanical illustration, where science, collecting and visual culture were deeply intertwined.
Examples with original contemporary hand-coloring are particularly scarce. Many impressions encountered on the market today have been colored at a later date, often with a more decorative intent. Early colorings such as this preserve a more nuanced palette and a closer dialogue with the engraved line.
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
Very good antique condition. The original hand-coloring remains fresh and well balanced, with clear engraved detail throughout. Printed on fine original laid (vergé) paper. The sheet retains slightly reduced margins compared to larger examples, yet remains well proportioned and visually balanced. No watermark observed. A clean and decorative impression.
Specific References
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