Orchid, 1888, Paper

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Saccolabium Coeleste Orchid – Reichenbachia Plate 30, c.1888 A magnificent hand-colored lithograph of the orchid Saccolabium coeleste (now classified as … Read more Saccolabium Coeleste Orchid – Reichenbachia Plate 30, c.1888 A magnificent hand-colored lithograph of the orchid Saccolabium coeleste (now classified as Rhynchostylis coelestis), published as Plate 30 in Reichenbachia: Orchids Illustrated and Described by Frederick Sander between 1888 and 1894. This large folio print beautifully captures the elegance and exotic charm of this orchid species, native to Southeast Asia and beloved for its cascading clusters of soft lavender and white blossoms. The plate depicts two racemes in full bloom, emerging from a sturdy base of strap-like leaves. Each flower is finely rendered with delicate brushwork and subtle shading, giving an almost three-dimensional quality. The lilac-tinted petals and violet-hued lips are particularly striking against the lush green foliage and softly shaded background. This illustration, true to the life-sized ambition of the series, reflects the peak of botanical art in the late 19th century. The Reichenbachia series, named in honor of the renowned orchidologist Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach (1824–1889), was the most ambitious orchid publication of its time. Initiated and published by Henry Frederick Conrad Sander—widely known as "the Orchid King"—it employed some of the finest artists and craftsmen of the period. This particular plate was printed by Joseph Mansell after a drawing by Henry Moon, who was responsible for most of the series’ sublime illustrations. The Reichenbachia volumes were extraordinary in both scope and expense, intended for wealthy botanists and collectors. Today, individual plates remain highly sought-after for their beauty, scale, and rarity. This example is accompanied by its original descriptive text leaf in English, French, and German, further enhancing its appeal to collectors of botanical art and orchid enthusiasts alike. Condition report: Very good condition with only minor edge toning and faint handling marks. Bright original coloring preserved. No tears or repairs. Sheet slightly toned in margins, typical for age. Framing tips: This elegant floral plate would look striking in a large gold or natural wood frame, ideally float-mounted with a soft ivory or pale green mat to complement the botanical tones. Suitable for both classic and contemporary interiors. Technique: Hand-colored lithograph Maker: Joseph Mansell after Henry Moon, England, c.1888–1894 See less