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Decorative Antique Botanical Prints – Exotic Tropical Plant Engravings, 1770

$394.96per set
£291.35per set
€330per set
CA$543.64per set
A$587.31per set
CHF 312.45per set
MX$7,066.89per set
NOK 3,956.31per set
SEK 3,618.15per set
DKK 2,514.57per set

About the Item

Pair of Antique Engravings of Exotic Tropical Plants from Diderot’s Encyclopédie, ca. 1770 A fine pair of copperplate engravings from Denis Diderot and Jean le Rond d’Alembert’s monumental Encyclopédie ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers, Paris, circa 1770. These plates, drawn from the Histoire naturelle section, depict exotic tropical plants admired in 18th-century Europe for their rarity, utility, and ornamental appeal. The first plate (Pl. XCVI) features three important tropical plants: the banana tree (Le Bananier), shown with its large leaves and hanging bunches of fruit; the pineapple (L’Ananas), symbol of exotic luxury in the Enlightenment era; and the sensitive plant (La Sensitive), whose leaves fold when touched, astonishing contemporary naturalists and philosophers. Each is engraved with attention to botanical structure and proportion, emphasizing their novelty to European audiences. The second plate (Pl. XCVII) focuses on palms and related species: the coconut palm (Le Cocotier), with its large fruit; the date palm (Palmier en Éténilie), prized for its edible fruits; the sago palm (Le Sagou), valued for its starchy trunk; and the dragon’s blood tree (Le Sang-Dragon), known for its striking red resin. Together, they represent both practical crops and botanical curiosities from distant lands. These engravings illustrate the Enlightenment’s expanding global awareness, driven by exploration and colonial trade. Exotic fruits such as bananas and pineapples became emblems of wealth and refinement, while palms symbolized both utility and tropical abundance. For collectors, such plates offer both a scientific record and a decorative link to the era’s fascination with the exotic. Condition report: Both plates in good condition with strong platemarks. Some light toning and minor foxing in margins, consistent with age. Crisp, detailed impressions on fine laid paper. Offered as two separate folio sheets, unframed. Framing tips: These tropical plant engravings pair beautifully together. Wide ivory or cream mounts will emphasize the fine engraving lines, while walnut or gilt frames will lend a warm, colonial-era atmosphere. A subtle green inner matting line can enhance the botanical theme. Technique: Copperplate engraving Maker: Denis Diderot Jean le Rond d’Alembert, Paris, ca. 1770
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 15.36 in (39 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
    France
  • Period:
    1770-1779
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1770
  • Condition:
    Condition report: Both plates in good condition with strong platemarks. Some light toning and minor foxing in margins, consistent with age. Crisp, detailed impressions on fine laid paper. Offered as two separate folio sheets, unframed.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13494-46, -471stDibs: LU3054346682452

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