Original 17th-century hand-colored engraving of a sesame plant (Sesamum indicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring exposed roots and a refined botanical composition.
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Original engravings from the 17th–19th century.
This original late 17th-century hand-colored copper engraving depicts Sesame Plant, traditionally identified as Sesamum indicum, 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 — roots, stem, leaves and flowers arranged with structural clarity, transforming natural history into a refined form of botanical theatre.
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The composition is defined by a strong vertical axis, with the plant rising clearly from an exposed root system that spreads outward in fine, intricate lines. This foundation gives the engraving both visual stability and scientific precision.
The foliage is rendered with careful attention to variation, with elongated leaves arranged in a natural rhythm along the stem. Subtle tonal shifts in green create depth without overwhelming the composition.
Small, delicate flowers appear near the upper section, introducing a gentle chromatic accent that contrasts with the more dominant green tones of the leaves.
The overall effect is one of clarity and balance, where the plant is presented not as spectacle, but as a carefully observed organism — reflecting Munting’s ability to combine scientific observation with aesthetic restraint.
Sesamum indicum, known as sesame, has been cultivated for thousands of years and was already a well-known plant in early modern botanical studies. Its seeds were valued for their oil and culinary uses.
In the seventeenth century, such plants represented the connection between practical knowledge and botanical science, illustrating the expanding global understanding of useful species.
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 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 refined impression.
Specific References
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 a spiny Solanum (Solanum aethiopicum) by Abraham Munting, featuring thorned stems, vivid fruit and striking botanical contrast.
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 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.
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 of cyclamen, featuring exposed tuber, marbled foliage and vivid flowers. A refined composition blending scientific observation with decorative balance.
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.
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 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 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 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 refined 18th-century botanical engraving depicting the chestnut tree, featuring detailed foliage and characteristic fruit. The balanced composition and original hand-coloring create a visually rich and highly decorative natural history print.