Vibrant Botanicals: A Study of Leaf Patterns and Colors, Published in 1880

The prints from "Les Plantes à Feuillage Coloré, Tome Second," published in Paris in 1880 by J. Rothschild as the editor, are a magnificent showcase of the art and science of botany in the late 19th century. The first image depicts 'Yucca aloifolia variegata,' elegantly displaying its long, sword-like leaves adorned with creamy margins against a green central stripe, a testament to its variegated variety. The precision in the illustration highlights the plant’s architectural form and the subtle color gradations. The second image presents 'Aucuba japonica aureo-maculata,' where the broad, glossy leaves are splattered with golden yellow spots against a rich green background. This ornamental shrub is complemented by a cluster of bright red berries that stand out vividly, offering a beautiful contrast in both color and form. The third print features 'Alocasia jenningsii,' a striking tropical plant with large, heart-shaped leaves. The deep green of the leaves is dramatically interrupted by dark, almost black, symmetrical blotches that follow the veins. This pattern creates a stunning visual effect reminiscent of a butterfly’s wings. All three prints reflect a fusion of scientific observation and artistic interpretation. They not only served as educational material...

This print depicts three turtles, each with distinct patterns and colors on their shells and skin: 1. **Top Turtle**: This turtle has a relatively dark shell with light markings that emphasize the ridges of the scutes (the individual plates that make up the turtle's carapace or shell). The plastron (the belly part of the shell) appears to be lightly colored with dark seams. The skin of the turtle is striped with light and dark bands, suggesting a pattern that may help with camouflage or identification among species. 2. **Bottom Left Turtle (labeled 'a')**: This specimen has a shell with a more vibrant green color and bold, light-colored markings. The plastron is red with a symmetrical pattern, which is quite distinctive. This coloration may be characteristic of a particular species or could be an artistic interpretation to highlight anatomical details. 3. **Bottom Right Turtle (labeled 'b')**: The shell of this turtle is green with a lighter central area and dark borders on the scutes, while the plastron is a contrasting red with a white pattern. The green color extends to the skin, with lighter stripes on the limbs. The print shows illustrations of turtles, and it seems to label them as "Emys picta" and "Emyde peinte," which could refer to painted turtles...

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...

This is a delightful round framed print of a Pineapple study originally from a hand coloured early 19th Century French botanical illustration. Prints of this style were originally p...