Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Fruits of the Theban Palm – Botanical Study of Date Palm Egypt c.1776

$287.22
£215.01
€240
CA$395.39
A$432.24
CHF 228.67
MX$5,172.43
NOK 2,909.54
SEK 2,663.39
DKK 1,828.50

About the Item

Fruits of the Theban Palm – Botanical Study of Date Palm Egypt c.1776 Description: This antique botanical engraving, titled "Fructus Palmæ Thebaicæ," offers a striking and detailed study of the fruit-bearing parts of the Theban date palm, a variety native to Upper Egypt. Dating from around 1776, this print is a fine example of Enlightenment-era scientific illustration, combining aesthetic beauty with botanical accuracy. The central illustration (marked A) shows the branching stalks laden with developing fruit and pollen clusters of the palm tree. The texture and shading vividly convey the fibrous nature of the stems and the structure of the fruit-bearing segments. At right (B), a tightly bound unopened palm spathe is depicted with its characteristic scaly surface. On the lower left (C), the print shows a larger, split fruit body—possibly a ripe date or inflorescence—rendered with impressive texture, capturing the fine dotted surface. At the center bottom (D), a mature fruit or seedpod is presented in full. Figures E and F show detailed views of the seed or pit from two perspectives, one revealing a triangular cavity within the core. This engraving was likely published in a Dutch or German encyclopedic work or travel account during the late 18th century, reflecting the period’s growing interest in natural history and exotic flora. The Theban palm (Phoenix thebaica or a local variant of the date palm, *Phoenix dactylifera*) was a significant agricultural and cultural symbol in ancient Egypt, valued for its sweet fruits and versatile fibers. This print would appeal to collectors of botanical prints, scholars of Egyptology, or those with an interest in the early scientific documentation of the natural world. Condition report: Very good condition. Some minor toning and a vertical centerfold as issued. Plate mark visible. Edges slightly browned but with no distracting flaws. Framing tips: Best displayed in a natural wood or black frame with a pale ivory or soft olive mat to highlight the earthy, organic detail of the drawing. Technique: Engraving Maker: Anonymous, Dutch or German school, circa 1776
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.75 in (27.3 cm)Width: 9.85 in (25 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1776
  • Condition:
    Condition report: Very good condition. Some minor toning and a vertical centerfold as issued. Plate mark visible. Edges slightly browned but with no distracting flaws.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-14102-541stDibs: LU3054346050952

More From This Seller

View All
Egyptian Plants – Botanical Studies of Flora from Egypt, c.1776
Located in Langweer, NL
Egyptian Plants – Botanical Studies of Flora from Egypt, c.1776 This set of three antique engravings presents a rich botanical overview of plants native to Egypt, rendered with rema...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Decorative Antique Botanical Prints – Exotic Tropical Plant Engravings, 1770
Located in Langweer, NL
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 mon...
Category

Antique 1770s French Prints

Materials

Paper

De Bry Indian Botanical Engravings – Coconut, Bamboo Cashew Trees, c.1598
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three De Bry Botanical Engravings of Indian Trees and Fruits, c.1598 – Coconut, Bamboo, and Cashew Description: A rare and beautifully matching set of three original copper e...
Category

Antique 16th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of the Flower and Fruit of an Oriental Cedar, 1768
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Fleur et Fruit d'un Cedre Oriental'. Copper engraving of the flower and fruit of an oriental cedar. This print originates from volume 18 of 'Histoire generale d...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 2 Botany Prints of the European Fan Palm and Copernicia Prunifera, c.1740
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of two antique botany prints titled 'Palma humulis' and 'Palma prunifera'. It shows the European fan palm and the copernicia prunifera or the carnaúb...
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

De Bry Botanical Engravings – Pineapple, Mango Pepper Plants, c.1598
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three De Bry Botanical Engravings of Indian Fruits and Spices, c.1598 – Pineapple, Mango, and Pepper An exceptional trio of original copper engravings from Theodor de Bry’s P...
Category

Antique 16th Century German Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Betel Nut Palm: An 18th Century Hand-colored Botanical Engraving by J. Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving of a flowering Betel Nut Palm plants, which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Fagus Fau Buch,...
Category

Mid-18th Century Naturalistic Still-life Prints

Materials

Engraving, Mezzotint

Chamaedorea Glaucifolia, tropical palm, antique botanical lithograph print
By John Nugent Fitch after Matilda Smith
Located in Melbourne, Victoria
'Chamaedorea Glaucifolia' (Glaucous Parlour Palm), native to Columbia. Antique botanical lithograph with original hand-colouring , 191...
Category

Early 20th Century Naturalistic Still-life Prints

Materials

Lithograph

European Exotic Fruit Botanical Wall Art Litho, circa 19th Century
Located in New York, NY
A very beautiful original Belgian exotic botanical vibrant off-set lithograph, 'Decaisnea Insignis', by artis Horto Van Houtteano, circa 19th century, Belgium. 'Decaisnea Insignis' i...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Prints

Materials

Paper

Banana Plants: An 18th Century Hand-colored Botanical Engraving by J. Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Alamo, CA
This is a striking original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line double page engraving of banana plants, which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Banana 1. Musa,...
Category

Mid-18th Century Naturalistic Still-life Prints

Materials

Engraving, Mezzotint

Genip Tree Fruit: An 18th C. Hand-colored Botanical Engraving by J. Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Alamo, CA
This hand-colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683-1741) is entitled "A. Geniculata Wieder Kraief, B. Genipa seu Ganipaba". It is plate 531 in...
Category

Mid-18th Century Naturalistic Still-life Prints

Materials

Engraving, Mezzotint

Banana Plant: An 18th Century Hand-colored Botanical Engraving by J. Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Alamo, CA
This is an original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving of banana plants, which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Banana 2. Mauze, Baradis-feigen", p...
Category

Mid-18th Century Naturalistic Still-life Prints

Materials

Engraving, Mezzotint