Items Similar to Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 7
Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706
About the Item
Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706
This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published in 1703. It depicts *Aloe Afric Humilis Spin. et Verrucis Obsita*, an African aloe species with spiny, wart-covered leaves. The Latin title translates to "African Low Aloe, Spiny and Covered with Warts," referring to the textured and rugged appearance of the plant’s leaves.
This engraving could be a proof print (proefdruk) of Caspar Commelin's work, *"Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis Plantæ Rariores et Exoticæ ad Vivum Æri Incisæ,"* published in 1706 by Fredericum Haringh in Leiden (Lugduni Batavorum).
The style and botanical detail in the engraving align with the scientific and illustrative approach typical of the Commelins' botanical works. These illustrations were often created directly from life ("ad vivum") to accurately document rare and exotic plants, many of which were housed at the Amsterdam Hortus Medicus.
Given that proof prints were commonly produced to ensure accuracy before inclusion in published works, this engraving might be part of the preparatory process for Commelin's publications. It fits with the layout and descriptions found in the 1706 edition of Caspar Commelin's botanical works, which continued the legacy initiated by his uncle, Jan Commelin.
### Description:
The engraving illustrates a compact, low-growing aloe plant with spiny, textured leaves arranged in a rosette pattern. The plant’s leaves are rugged, covered in small wart-like protrusions, emphasizing its unique appearance.
- Leaf Texture: The engraving captures the rough, spiny surface of the aloe's leaves. Each leaf is shown with pronounced warts and spikes, contributing to the plant's distinctive look.
- Growth Pattern: The aloe forms a dense rosette near the ground, with its leaves radiating outward. The natural shape of the plant is well-defined, with minimal background elements to maintain focus on its botanical features.
### Maker:
This engraving likely belongs to the series produced under the supervision of Caspar Commelin for his botanical publications. Caspar Commelin took over the work of his uncle, Jan Commelin, documenting rare and exotic plants brought to Europe, primarily through Dutch colonial and trade networks. Their botanical works, such as *"Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis,"* were significant in early efforts to classify and describe plants from around the world.
### What It Shows:
The engraving provides a detailed depiction of an African aloe species, Aloe Afric Humilis. The plant’s rugged, spiny texture and low-growing structure make it a notable subject for botanical illustration. This species is valued for both its ornamental and medicinal properties. The engraving serves as an accurate scientific illustration, helping botanists and herbalists study the plant's unique characteristics.
This engraving likely contributed to European efforts in the 18th century to classify and document exotic species, focusing on their botanical features and potential uses.
- Dimensions:Height: 9.34 in (23.7 cm)Width: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
- Materials and Techniques:Paper,Engraved
- Period:1700-1709
- Date of Manufacture:1706
- Condition:Condition: very good, given age. Etching / engraving on hand-laid (verge) paper. Light foxing, mostly outside the plate-mark. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Study the scans carefully.
- Seller Location:Langweer, NL
- Reference Number:Seller: BG-13748-1241stDibs: LU3054341525512
About the Seller
5.0
Recognized Seller
These prestigious sellers are industry leaders and represent the highest echelon for item quality and design.
Platinum Seller
Premium sellers with a 4.7+ rating and 24-hour response times
Established in 2009
1stDibs seller since 2017
2,430 sales on 1stDibs
Typical response time: 1 hour
- ShippingRetrieving quote...Shipping from: Langweer, Netherlands
- Return Policy
Authenticity Guarantee
In the unlikely event there’s an issue with an item’s authenticity, contact us within 1 year for a full refund. DetailsMoney-Back Guarantee
If your item is not as described, is damaged in transit, or does not arrive, contact us within 7 days for a full refund. Details24-Hour Cancellation
You have a 24-hour grace period in which to reconsider your purchase, with no questions asked.Vetted Professional Sellers
Our world-class sellers must adhere to strict standards for service and quality, maintaining the integrity of our listings.Price-Match Guarantee
If you find that a seller listed the same item for a lower price elsewhere, we’ll match it.Trusted Global Delivery
Our best-in-class carrier network provides specialized shipping options worldwide, including custom delivery.More From This Seller
View AllAloe Humilis Africana Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706
Located in Langweer, NL
Aloe Humilis Africana Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706
This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," publishe...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
Botanical Engraving of Aloe Afric Erecta from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706
Located in Langweer, NL
Botanical Engraving of Aloe Afric Erecta from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706
This engraving is likely a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published i...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
Botanical Engraving of Tithymalus Aiz Arbor from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706
Located in Langweer, NL
Botanical Engraving of Tithymalus Aiz Arbor from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706
This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," publis...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
Botanical Engraving of Alaternoides Afric Lauri Serratae from Commelin, 1706
Located in Langweer, NL
Botanical Engraving of Alaternoides Afric Lauri Serratae from Caspar Commelin, 1706
This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's *"Praeludia Botanica,"...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
Caulescent African Aloe from Caspar Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica" - 1703
Located in Langweer, NL
This engraving is a botanical illustration possibly from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published in 1703. It depicts the Aloe ferox, a species of African aloe, known for it...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
Botanical Engraving of African Aloe from Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica", 1703
Located in Langweer, NL
African Aloe Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s "Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis," 1706
This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia B...
Category
Antique Early 1700s Prints
Materials
Paper
You May Also Like
Set of 4, 17th Century Botanical Engravings by Jan and Caspar Commelin
Located in Gloucestershire, GB
Beautiful set of 4, 17th century botanical engravings by Jan and Caspar Commelin.
Presented in silver frames with hessian mounts and AR70 Artglass for optimal clarity.
Jan Commelin...
Category
Antique 17th Century Dutch Prints
Materials
Paper
18th century James Sowerby botanical Engravings
By James Sowerby
Located in Seaford, GB
Rare Antique Botanical Prints by James Sowerby (1757–1822): A Timeless Tribute to British Flora
Step into the enchanting world of 18th-century botanical artistry with our exceptiona...
Category
Antique 1790s British Georgian Prints
Materials
Paper
$3,522 / set
1736-45 Framed Botanical Engraving, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
By Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Located in Louisville, KY
Framed Botanical Engraving, Johann Wilhelm Weinmann. Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (German 1683-1741) Published in Amsterdam & Ratisbon, 1736-45....
Category
Antique Mid-18th Century German Other Prints
Materials
Velvet, Giltwood, Paper
Pair of Original Antique Hand Colored Botanical Engravings
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Pair of hand colored botanical engravings of flowers.
Category
Antique 19th Century English Prints
Materials
Paper
18th Century Botanical Prints Engravings, by P.J. Buchoz, 1776
By Pierre Joseph Buchoz
Located in Richmond, London
A rare set of six of exceptional quality 18th century hand-colored engravings
Buchoz, Pierre Joseph. Collection précieuse et enluminée des fleurs les plus belles et les plus curieuse...
Category
Antique Late 18th Century French Louis XVI Prints
Materials
Paper
Pair of Engraving, Fashion Hat Work, Models, France 1902
Located in Auribeau sur Siagne, FR
A pair of Prints, representing hat models, and women models, with their Hat, in the 19th in Paris.
In a blu color, and dated 1902.
Category
Antique Early 1900s Prints
Materials
Glass, Wood, Paper