Bertuch, Carrion Flower and Mimosa, 1805, Engraving

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Original antique botanical print of carrion flower and mimosa by bertuch, 1805 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting two remarkable … Read more Original antique botanical print of carrion flower and mimosa by bertuch, 1805 original antique hand-colored copper engraving depicting two remarkable exotic plants, the carrion flower and sensitive plant, published in friedrich justin bertuch’s celebrated “bilderbuch für kinder” in weimar in 1805. The plate is titled “pflanzen lxxv / plantes lxxv” and was devoted to what bertuch described as “sonderbare pflanzen,” or remarkable plants. Fig. 1 depicts the carrion flower (stapelia hirsuta), an extraordinary succulent native to southern africa. The plant is shown with its distinctive upright, fleshy stems and a spectacular star-shaped flower colored in red and yellow. The carrion flower received its name from the strong odor produced by its blossoms, which resembles decaying organic matter. This remarkable adaptation attracts flies, one of which is actually illustrated hovering beside the flower on this plate, emphasizing the unusual relationship between the plant and its pollinators. Fig. 2 depicts the sensitive plant (mimosa pudica), recognizable by its delicate compound leaves and spherical flower head. The species became famous in europe for its extraordinary response to touch: when disturbed, the individual leaflets rapidly fold together and the stems may droop, giving the appearance that the plant is shrinking away from contact. The combination of these two botanical curiosities makes the plate particularly fascinating. One plant attracts insects through an extraordinary scent, while the other visibly responds to physical contact. The engraving is beautifully enhanced with original hand coloring in shades of green, red, yellow and pink and bears the signature “j. H. Schmuzer” at lower right. Friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) was a german publisher, writer and patron of the arts. His monumental “bilderbuch für kinder” (picture book for children) was one of the great illustrated educational encyclopedias of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, containing hundreds of engraved and hand-colored plates devoted to natural history, geography, science, technology, antiquity and numerous other subjects. Creator: friedrich justin bertuch (1747–1822) engraver: j. H. Schmuzer source: bilderbuch für kinder plate: pflanzen lxxv / plantes lxxv – sonderbare pflanzen subjects: carrion flower (stapelia hirsuta) and sensitive plant (mimosa pudica) place of publication: weimar, germany date of manufacture: 1805 period: early 19th century style: neoclassical – in the period of medium: original hand-colored copper engraving on paper condition: good. Wear consistent with age and use. Light age-related toning and scattered minor spotting and marks. Minor marginal wear and edge irregularities. Original hand coloring remains attractive. Please refer to the photographs for further details of condition. Please note: this is an original antique print from 1805, not a modern reproduction. The print is sold unframed. Framed images or interior views, if shown, are for presentation and inspiration only. Other companion botanical plates from bertuch’s “bilderbuch für kinder” are also available separately. Keywords: carrion flower, stapelia hirsuta, sensitive plant, mimosa pudica, touch-me-not plant, exotic plants, unusual plants, succulent print, african succulent, botanical engraving, antique botanical print, botanical curiosity, natural history print, bertuch print, friedrich justin bertuch, j. H. Schmuzer, hand colored engraving, 1805 botanical print See less