Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a spiny Solanum (Solanum aethiopicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring thorned stems, vivid fruit and striking botanical contrast.
Your print will be carefully prepared and shipped worldwide via trusted couriers (UPS or similar).
Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts Spiny Solanum, traditionally identified as Solanum aethiopicum, 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, stem, leaves, flowers and fruit unified in a single architectural composition, transforming natural history into a form of botanical theatre.
— • —
The composition is structured around a strong vertical stem armed with pronounced thorns, immediately conveying both tension and vitality. This central axis gives the engraving a bold architectural presence.
The foliage spreads outward in irregular, deeply cut leaves, their jagged silhouettes reinforcing the plant’s defensive character. This creates a dynamic contrast with the smooth, rounded forms of the fruit.
The fruits themselves are particularly striking: rendered in warm tones of yellow and orange, they act as focal points within the composition, drawing the eye and adding chromatic intensity.
Delicate violet flowers introduce a refined counterpoint, softening the overall composition and enhancing its visual complexity. The result is a plate that balances aggression and elegance, perfectly aligned with the spirit of the cabinet of curiosities.
Solanum aethiopicum, often associated with African eggplant varieties, was regarded in early modern Europe as an exotic and unusual plant. Its combination of edible fruit and defensive morphology made it particularly intriguing to botanists.
In the seventeenth century, such plants symbolized the expanding botanical knowledge brought through exploration, embodying both scientific curiosity and the fascination with rare and unfamiliar forms.
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, whereas 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 vibrant, with strong engraved definition 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 crisp and decorative impression.
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 a Clematis vine by Abraham Munting, featuring vertical growth, vivid blossoms and refined botanical composition.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Thapsia major by Abraham Munting, featuring architectural form, radial flowering and a rich landscape setting.
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 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, 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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Cyclamen (Cyclamen europaeum) by Abraham Munting, featuring exposed root structure and elegant botanical composition.
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.
Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of Salvia lutea by Abraham Munting, featuring variegated foliage and a striking cabinet of curiosities 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.
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.
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.