Villa Melrose Prints

French 19th century framed lithograph print of a seaside fort at some unknown locale, simply titled Chateau fort sur le bord de la mer, translating to a “castle on the seaside.” Rend...

Early 20th century Japanese black and white paper print of drawings of 18th century Japanese screen. This black and white paper print ...

Composition of 18 antique botanical prints from the iconic encyclopaedia "Histoire Naturelle" Buffon 1749-1804, each print is individually matted an...

A pair of framed prints of 19th century lithographs, Belgium, circa 1870. The two prints depict five different peaches; the first Alexander and R...

Each print is mounted in a cherrywood parcel-gilt frame, with a glazed reverse depicting the corresponding text sheet. L'Andaloux, Le Cheval d'Espagne, Plate I; Le Barbe, Le Che...

Antique Hand-Colored Fern Prints - Aspidium Species - 19th Century Botanical Art This rare set of three hand-colored fern prints features detailed illustrations of various species of **Aspidium**. These botanical prints are part of the renowned 19th-century collection, *Ferns: British and Exotic*, showcasing the meticulous botanical artistry of the Victorian period. The ferns illustrated in this set include: - **Aspidium augustescens** (Majestic Shield Fern): This species is known for its symmetrical fronds and graceful appearance. The print showcases the fine detailing of the fern’s structure, capturing the natural elegance of its leaves. - **Aspidium acuminatum** (Pointed Shield Fern): This species is noted for its sharply pointed fronds and dense arrangement of sori (spore clusters). The print emphasizes the intricate texture of the fronds and the distinct shape of the reproductive structures. - **Aspidium proliferum** (Proliferous Shield Fern): This fern is characterized by its broad fronds and ability to produce multiple offshoots. The illustration captures the density and lush growth habit of the species, with precise attention to the arrangement of the spore clusters. These prints come from E.J. Lowe’s famous botanical work, *Ferns: British and Exotic*, which was published between 1856 and 1860. Edward Joseph Lowe was a distinguished Victorian botanist known for his extensive research and beautifully illustrated publications on ferns. His work remains highly regarded for its scientific accuracy and aesthetic quality. The prints were produced using the chromolithography technique, a popular 19th-century printing method that allowed for vibrant, multi-layered color reproduction. This process adds depth and dimension to the prints, creating lifelike images that make these ferns appear almost tangible. Each print measures approximately 12 x 8 inches, making them perfect for framing. Whether you are a botanical art collector, a nature lover, or someone who appreciates vintage prints, this set offers both historical significance and decorative appeal. Condition Report: Overall good condition with light age-related toning around the edges. The colors remain vibrant, and the images are clear and sharp. Keywords: antique fern prints...

18th century hand-colored engraving, with and unusual dynamic scene of a goddess riding a chariot pulled by two horses fighting off an attack by two griffins. With a heart-form in wh...

Antique Buffalo Engraving, Buffon Hand-Coloured Print Amsterdam 1769 This handsome hand-coloured 18th-century engraving of the buffalo, titled Le Buffle, comes from the rare Dutch edition of Buffon’s celebrated Histoire Naturelle, published in Amsterdam by J.H. Schneider in 1769. Appearing as Plate XXV in Tome XI, the image was drawn by Jacques de Sève, Buffon’s principal illustrator, and engraved by C.J. Fritsch. The plate is one of the most appealing large mammal portraits in the Buffon series, notable for its expressive character, fine engraving, and warm, atmospheric colouring. The buffalo stands in full profile on a grassy bank beneath a soft blue sky. Its muscular body, thick neck, and distinctive curved horns are rendered with precise cross-hatching, highlighting both strength and powerful form. The shaggy hair around the head and chest is drawn with exceptional sensitivity, giving the animal a lively, alert presence. Behind the buffalo, a distant landscape shows classical buildings, rolling hills, and soft vegetation—an elegant composition typical of de Sève, who often placed his subjects in idealised settings to evoke the exotic nature of these animals for 18th-century European audiences. Hand colouring in the Schneider edition is among the finest of all Buffon printings. The warm browns of the buffalo’s coat...

Two French matted and framed 18th century black and white engravings inspired by Classical Antiquity. The first frame contains an engraving of a woman patting a unicorn, and a man an...

Transport yourself to the wonder and romance of early flight with this pair of hand-colored antique engravings, each depicting the world’s first hot air balloon ascents in 18th-centu...

Rare pair of original hand-colored prints from Sir Albertus Seba's cabinet of natural curiosities. Prints come from published volumes in Amste...

The following six chromolithographs are part of a collection published in 1896, created by Désiré Bois and Edward Step. They illustrate botanical subjects with remarkable attention t...