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Antique Lichen Prints Set of 6 – German Botanical Lithographs 1874
$586.93per set
£439.03per set
€490per set
CA$808.76per set
A$889.02per set
CHF 466.73per set
MX$10,571.08per set
NOK 5,993.88per set
SEK 5,459.78per set
DKK 3,734.31per set
About the Item
Antique Lichen Prints Set of 6 – German Scientific Lithographs 1874
Description
This exceptional wall set of six original 19th-century scientific lithographs comes from the 1874 German publication “Cryptogamen-Flora – Flechten,” a landmark work devoted entirely to the study of lichens. Issued in Gera by the respected scientific publisher C. B. Griesbach and authored by Otto Müller and G. Pabst, this atlas represents one of the most detailed visual documents of cryptogamic botany produced in the 19th century.
Each plate presents an extraordinary concentration of lichen species rendered with precise scientific accuracy. The compositions show a wide range of growth forms — from crustose stone-lichens to branching fruticose species and broad foliose varieties — accompanied by microscopic structural details. The visual rhythm created by these dense organic forms gives the set both scientific authority and strong decorative power.
Unlike floral prints intended for domestic decoration, cryptogam atlases were produced in significantly smaller numbers for pharmaceutical, medical, and academic use. As a result, complete matching sets of original plates from this publication are now increasingly scarce on the market. These lithographs were created at the height of European botanical classification, when precise observation and documentation formed the foundation of modern biological science.
The refined black-and-white palette gives this series a timeless graphic quality that integrates effortlessly into both classical and contemporary interiors. Displayed as a 3×2 horizontal wall arrangement, the set creates a striking architectural presence and works beautifully in studies, design hotels, medical practices, law offices, libraries, and curated residential interiors. The balance between scientific precision and natural abstraction makes this ensemble especially attractive to interior designers and collectors seeking authentic museum-level material with strong visual impact.
This is a cohesive original 19th-century wall set, not later reproductions or decorative facsimiles. Each plate is an authentic lithograph printed in 1874.
Condition Report
All six plates are in very good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with 19th-century paper. No tears or losses observed. Margins remain intact. Image impressions are crisp and well preserved. Minor surface marks or faint edge handling wear may be present but do not affect display quality.
Framing Suggestions
This set presents beautifully in slim walnut or natural oak frames with deep ivory museum mats for a clean contemporary gallery look. For a more dramatic presentation, matte black frames with soft off-white mats will emphasize the fine line work and give the ensemble a museum-style appearance. UV-protective glazing is recommended.
Technique: Lithography
Maker: Otto Müller
G. Pabst, Germany, 1874
SEO Keyword Block
antique botanical prints, lichen lithographs, cryptogam flora, german scientific prints, medical wall art, pharmacy decor, 19th century science illustration, black and white botanical prints, antique natural history prints, lichen study plates, interior designer wall art, antique scientific wall set
- Dimensions:Height: 13.39 in (34 cm)Width: 9.18 in (23.3 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
- Sold As:Set of 6
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1874
- Condition:All six plates are in very good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with 19th-century paper. No tears or losses observed. Margins remain intact. Image impressions are crisp and well preserved. Minor surface marks.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13342-1-32, -33, -34, -35, -36, -371stDibs: LU3054347820662
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View AllAntique Lichen Prints Set of 6 – German Botanical Lithographs 1874
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Lichen Prints Set of 6 – German Botanical Lithographs 1874
This remarkable wall set of six original scientific lithographs comes from the rare 1874 German publication “Cryptogamen-Flora – Flechten,” devoted entirely to the detailed study of lichens. Issued in Gera by the respected scientific publisher C. B. Griesbach and prepared by Otto Müller and G. Pabst, this series represents one of the most precise 19th-century visual documents of cryptogamic botany.
Each plate is densely populated with finely rendered lichen specimens, shown in multiple growth stages with accompanying microscopic structural details. The compositions are carefully balanced across each sheet, creating an extraordinary rhythm of organic textures, cellular formations, and natural pattern systems. Together, the six plates form a powerful scientific grid that is visually striking both at close inspection and from a distance.
Produced during the golden age of European botanical taxonomy, these lithographs were created as serious reference tools for pharmacists, physicians, and natural scientists. Unlike decorative flower books intended for the general public, true cryptogam atlases such as this were printed in far smaller numbers and were subjected to hard professional use. As a result, intact matching sets have become increasingly scarce on the market.
The restrained monochrome palette gives this set a timeless graphic quality that integrates effortlessly into both classical and contemporary interiors. Displayed as a horizontal 3×2 wall arrangement or in vertical pairing formats, the set works exceptionally well in studies, medical offices, libraries, design hotels, law firms, galleries, and minimalist residential spaces. The scientific precision combined with the abstract beauty of lichen morphology makes this set particularly attractive to modern interior designers seeking authentic historical material with strong visual structure.
This is a cohesive original 19th-century wall ensemble, not a later reproduction or decorative reprint. Each plate is an authentic lithograph pulled from the original 1874 publication.
Condition Report
All six plates are in very good antique condition. Light, even age toning consistent with 19th-century paper. No tears or losses observed. Margins remain intact. Image impressions are crisp and well preserved. Minor surface marks or faint edge handling wear may be present but do not detract from display quality.
Framing Suggestions
This set presents beautifully in slim natural oak or walnut frames with deep ivory museum mats for a clean, contemporary gallery look. For a more dramatic, archival presentation, matte black frames with soft off-white mats will emphasize the fine line work and give the set a striking museum-style presence. UV-protective glazing is recommended for long-term preservation.
Technique: Lithography
Maker: Otto Müller & G. Pabst, Germany, 1874
SEO Keyword Block
antique botanical prints, lichen lithographs, cryptogam flora, 19th century science prints, german botanical art, medical wall art, pharmacy decor, scientific wall set, black and white botanical prints, natural history lithographs, antique plant prints, lichen study plates, interior designer wall art, antique scientific illustration
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