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Botanical Prints

Even the earliest humans had an interest in recording the natural world, as drawings of plants and animals can be found in early cave drawings around the world. Botanical illustration has a rich history, as scientists drew and compiled records of various species to further apothecary studies.

Printmaking techniques such as etching and engraving aided the documentation and distribution of these illustrations in encyclopedic books and textbooks for botanists to continue their studies. The role of printmaking in botanical studies is an important one, as the circulation of books educated the public about plants and mushrooms that cured or caused disease.

Botanical prints prior to the 19th century were often hand-colored, as a way to convey essential information about the plant. Hand coloring is pigment applied after the woodcut or engraved or etched print is created to capture detail and realistically represent the plants. Botanical subject matter remained linked to printmaking until photomechanical means of reproducing images became popular in the late 19th and 20th centuries. At this time, artists continued to create botanical prints, but purely for artistic purposes and enjoyment.


Quick Facts

  • One of the finest examples of botanical illustrated books is the English Botanist John Parkinson’s 1640 "Theatrum Botanicum," which contains woodcut prints of over 3,000 species of plants
  • The invention of the microscope at the turn of the 17th century helped to promote botanical printmaking, as scientists relied upon botanical illustrators to capture and disseminate their discoveries
  • Founded in 1994, the American Society of Botanical Artists is a group of over 1300 members dedicated to promoting botanical prints, paintings, and drawings in the traditional style that marries art, horticulture, and science

Recommended Items at Auction

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A set of five gilt framed botanical prints, frame size 71cm x 56cm
Feb 11, 7:00 PM AEDT
A set of five gilt framed botanical prints, frame size 71cm x 56cm
by Lawsons
Est: AUD400- AUD600
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Weinmann - Aloe. 70
Feb 15, 9:00 AM CST
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Est: $500- $1,000
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Weinmann - Aloe. 71
Feb 15, 9:00 AM CST
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Isabella Sinclair Chromolithograph, Wiliwili Plate 19
Feb 12, 2:00 PM EST
Isabella Sinclair Chromolithograph, Wiliwili Plate 19
by Lion and Unicorn
Est: $10- $200
$101 Bid
IRIS GERMANICA CUM OCELLIS ITALICIS FROM "SURREALISTIC FLOWERS"
Feb 22, 1:00 PM JST
IRIS GERMANICA CUM OCELLIS ITALICIS FROM "SURREALISTIC FLOWERS"
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Est: ¥50,000- ¥80,000
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Weinmann - Aloe. 50
Feb 15, 9:00 AM CST
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Est: $500- $1,000
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A set of twelve John Kelly floral and botanical photographic prints (12)
Feb 12, 12:00 PM PST
A set of twelve John Kelly floral and botanical photographic prints (12)
by Andrew Jones Auctions
Est: $100- $150
$101 Bid
Weinmann - Aloe. 48
Feb 15, 9:00 AM CST
Weinmann - Aloe. 48
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Est: $500- $1,000
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #35 Clove, Carnation, Christmas Rose
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #35 Clove, Carnation, Christmas Rose
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Est: $40- $80
$200 Bids
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #29 Dalhia
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #29 Dalhia
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #127 Rose
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #127 Rose
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #128 Rose
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #128 Rose
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #14 Camelia
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #14 Camelia
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Est: $40- $80
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #120 Rose
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #120 Rose
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
$100 Bids
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #24 Tickseed
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #24 Tickseed
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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1920's Easter Lily Color Lithograph Print
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
1920's Easter Lily Color Lithograph Print
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $25- $50
$200 Bids
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #76 White Lilly
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #76 White Lilly
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
$200 Bids
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #66 Hyacinth
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #66 Hyacinth
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
$200 Bids
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #89 Oranges
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #89 Oranges
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #51 Grosseiller Rouge
Feb 15, 2:00 PM EST
After Pierre-Jospeh Redoute, Floral Print, #51 Grosseiller Rouge
by Connoisseur Online
Est: $40- $80
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Botanical Lithograph from Flora Londinensis 1777 Arcuium Lappa Framed
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Botanical Lithograph from Flora Londinensis 1777 Arcuium Lappa Framed
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $200- $300
$1800 Bids
Pair Pierre Joseph Buchoz (French) Botanical Engravings, 18th Century
Feb 23, 10:00 AM PST
Pair Pierre Joseph Buchoz (French) Botanical Engravings, 18th Century
by Taylor & Harris
Est: $400- $500
$3000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Botanical Prints


Connoisseur Online

Connoisseur Online

Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books

Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Kiefer Buch- und Kunstauktionen

Lion and Unicorn

Lion and Unicorn