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

Antique Orchid & Bromeliad Chromolithographs 1897 – Karatas, Aechmea, Billbergia

$404.13per set
£300.95per set
€340per set
CA$557.96per set
A$618.58per set
CHF 325.09per set
MX$7,570.42per set
NOK 4,060.03per set
SEK 3,810.74per set
DKK 2,588.65per set

About the Item

Antique orchid and bromeliad chromolithographs – Karatas, Aechmea & Billbergia – 1897 This fine set of three chromolithographs was published in 1897 as part of Edward Step’s *Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse*, one of the most celebrated late-Victorian botanical works. Each plate presents a brilliantly detailed and scientifically accurate study of exotic tropical plants, combining botanical precision with decorative appeal. The first plate shows *Karatas scheretmetiewi*, a striking bromeliad with rigid green leaves arranged in a rosette and vivid scarlet floral bracts. Such plants, native to tropical America, fascinated European horticulturists for their unusual structure and brilliant colour contrasts. The second plate features *Aechmea fulgens*, another bromeliad admired for its tall red inflorescences and bright blue flowers. At the time of publication, Aechmeas were newly popular in European greenhouses, prized for their resilience and exotic appearance. The third plate depicts *Billbergia nutans*, sometimes known as the “Queen’s Tears.” Its gracefully arching stems bear pendant blossoms with pink bracts, blue-edged petals, and yellow stamens—a rare combination of colours that made this species a favourite among collectors. Together, the three prints illustrate the Victorian passion for tropical botany and the aesthetic power of chromolithography as a medium. The colour printing captures the texture of the leaves, the brilliance of the flowers, and even the subtle details of their reproductive structures, making these works as informative as they are decorative. These plates would make a superb wall display when framed as a set, bringing both botanical history and vibrant design into an interior setting. They are particularly appealing for collectors of orchid and bromeliad imagery, or anyone with an interest in 19th-century natural history illustration. Condition report: Very good condition overall. Paper with minor age toning, occasional faint foxing in margins, and light edge wear not affecting the printed area. Vibrant original colour preserved. Is sold without the frame. Framing tips: These chromolithographs work beautifully when framed together as a coordinated trio. Use off-white or pale cream mounts to enhance the clarity of the illustrations, and simple wooden or gilt frames to reflect their late-Victorian origin. Grouping them vertically or side-by-side will emphasize their shared botanical theme while highlighting the differences in form and colour. Technique: Chromolithograph Maker: Edward Step, London, 1897
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 6.26 in (15.9 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 3
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1897
  • Condition:
    Condition report: Very good condition overall. Paper with minor age toning, occasional faint foxing in margins, and light edge wear not affecting the printed area. Vibrant original colour preserved. Is sold without the frame.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13692-4-16, -17,- 181stDibs: LU3054346486342

More From This Seller

View All
Antique Flower Chromolithographs 1897 – Ixiolirion, Tuberose & Aspidistra
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Set of Three Botanical Chromolithographs – Ixiolirion, Tuberose & Aspidistra, 1897 Description: This beautiful set of three original chromolithographs dates to 1897 and come...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Botanical Lithographs – Gasteria, Aloe & Yucca – 1897
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Botanical Lithographs – Gasteria, Aloe & Yucca – 1897 Description: A vibrant set of three chromolithographs from Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse (1897) by Edward ...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Scarborough Lily, Jacobean Lily & Clivia – Antique Chromolithographs 1897
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique Chromolithographs of Scarborough Lily, Jacobean Lily & Clivia Miniata – 1897 A striking set of three original chromolithographs published in 1897 in Favourite Flowers of Gar...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of Antique Botanical Lithographs – Cordyline, African Lily & Triplet Lily
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of Three Antique Botanical Lithographs – Cordyline, African Lily & Triplet Lily (1897) A vibrant trio of original 1897 botanical lithographs from Favourite Flowers of Garden and...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Orchid Prints (Unframed) Set of 3 – Moth, Vanda & Fox Brush Orchids 1897
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 3 antique orchid lithographs – Phalaenopsis, Vanda & Aerides, 1897 This set of three original hand-colored lithographs presents some of the most exotic orchids admired by Vic...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 3 antique orchid lithographs – Lycaste, Odontoglossum & Oncidium, 1897
Located in Langweer, NL
Set of 3 antique orchid lithographs – Lycaste, Odontoglossum & Oncidium, 1897 This set of three hand-colored lithographs captures some of the most admired orchid species of the late...
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Bignonia venusta – Antique Botanical Chromolithograph, 1880s
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A striking original botanical print from the 1880s, featuring Bignonia venusta, also known as flame vine or orange trumpet vine. This brilliantly colored illustration captures the dr...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

John Nugent Fitch Orchids, 19th Century Hand Colored Engraving Botanical Print
By John Nugent Fitch
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful, original hand-colored orchid lithograph of "Begonia Scharffii" Orchids by John Nugent Fitch is plate number 7028 from Robert Warner's publication 'The Orchid Album, C...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

William Roscoe Botanical Large Print of Tropical Plant
Located in Downingtown, PA
William Roscoe Botanical Large Print, Curcuma Aeruginosa, Monandrian Plants of the Order Scitamineae, 1828 From a set of four -sold individually. A spectacularly large and beautifu...
Category

Antique 1820s English Regency Prints

Materials

Paper

Original 1880s Botanical Print of Hæmanthus Kalbreyeri — Vibrant Antique Chromol
Located in Fukuoka, JP
A striking original chromolithograph from the 1880s, this botanical print features the dramatic Hæmanthus kalbreyeri, also known as the blood lily. Characterized by its intense red s...
Category

Antique 19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Set of 5 Antique Botanical Lithographs of Lilies, Elwes & Fitch, 1877 - 1880
By Walter Hood Fitch
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This rare and exquisite set includes five original hand-colored botanical lithographs of various lily species, published between 1877 and 1880 as part of the legendary “A Monograph o...
Category

Antique 1870s English Other Prints

Materials

Gold Leaf

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