Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 6

Botanical Engraving of Aloe Afric Erecta from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706

$273.58
$341.9820% Off
£202.79
£253.4820% Off
€232VAT Included
€29020% Off
CA$381.66
CA$477.0720% Off
A$387.18
A$483.9720% Off
CHF 221.06
CHF 276.3220% Off
MX$4,688.14
MX$5,860.1820% Off
NOK 2,602.40
NOK 3,253.0120% Off
SEK 2,593.77
SEK 3,242.2120% Off
DKK 1,769.52
DKK 2,211.9020% Off

About the Item

Botanical Engraving of Aloe Afric Erecta from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706 This engraving is likely a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published in 1703. It depicts **Aloe Afric Erecta Rotunda Fol Acuminato**, an African aloe species with erect, round, pointed leaves. The Latin title translates to "African Aloe with erect, round, pointed leaves." This engraving could be a proof print (proefdruk) of Caspar Commelin's work, *"Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis Plantæ Rariores et Exoticæ ad Vivum Æri Incisæ,"* published in 1706 by Fredericum Haringh in Leiden (Lugduni Batavorum). The style and botanical detail in the engraving align with the scientific and illustrative approach typical of the Commelins' botanical works. These illustrations were often created directly from life ("ad vivum") to document rare and exotic plants, many of which were housed at the Amsterdam Hortus Medicus. Given that proof prints were commonly produced to ensure accuracy before inclusion in published works, this engraving may be part of the preparatory process for Commelin's publications. It fits with the layout and descriptions found in the 1706 edition of Caspar Commelin's botanical works, which continued the legacy initiated by his uncle, Jan Commelin. ### Description: The engraving shows a compact aloe plant with erect, pointed leaves arranged in a spiral formation. The leaves are thick and rounded at the base, tapering to a sharp point at the tip. - Leaf Structure: The illustration emphasizes the aloe’s pointed, angular leaves, which are stacked closely along the plant’s central axis. The texture and shading of the leaves are captured in fine detail, highlighting their natural shape and structure. - Growth Pattern: The aloe is portrayed in a compact, upright form, with its leaves spiraling upward from the base. The simple background directs attention to the botanical details of the plant. ### Maker: This engraving likely belongs to the series produced under the supervision of Caspar Commelin for his botanical publications. Caspar Commelin continued the work of his uncle, Jan Commelin, documenting rare and exotic plants brought to Europe, primarily through Dutch colonial and trade networks. Their botanical works, such as *"Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis,"* were significant in early efforts to classify and describe plants from around the world. ### What It Shows: The engraving provides a detailed depiction of an African aloe species, *Aloe Afric Erecta*, known for its compact, upright form and pointed leaves. The plant is native to Africa and valued for its ornamental and medicinal properties. This engraving serves as an accurate scientific illustration, helping botanists and herbalists study the plant's unique characteristics. This engraving likely contributed to European efforts in the 18th century to classify and document exotic species, focusing on their botanical features and potential uses.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.34 in (23.7 cm)Width: 7.29 in (18.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper,Engraved
  • Period:
    1700-1709
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1706
  • Condition:
    Condition: very good, given age. Etching / engraving on hand-laid (verge) paper. Light foxing, mostly outside the plate-mark. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. One flattened crease. Study the scans carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13748-1301stDibs: LU3054341525822

More From This Seller

View All
Aloe Humilis Africana Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706

Aloe Humilis Africana Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706

Located in Langweer, NL

Aloe Humilis Africana Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin's Work, 1706 This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," publishe...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706

Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706

Located in Langweer, NL

Aloe Afric Humilis Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706 This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published i...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Prints

Materials

Paper

Botanical Engraving of African Aloe from Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica", 1703

Botanical Engraving of African Aloe from Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica", 1703

Located in Langweer, NL

African Aloe Botanical Engraving from Caspar Commelin’s "Horti Medici Amstelaedamensis," 1706 This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia B...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Prints

Materials

Paper

Coffee, Aloe, and Date Trees – Exotic Botanical Engraving, Dutch, c.1730

Coffee, Aloe, and Date Trees – Exotic Botanical Engraving, Dutch, c.1730

Located in Langweer, NL

Coffee, Aloe, and Date Trees – Exotic Botanical Engraving, Dutch, c.1730 This large and finely detailed copper engraving showcases three important tropical and subtropical plants: t...

Category

Antique 1730s Dutch Prints

Materials

Paper

Caulescent African Aloe from Caspar Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica" - 1703

Caulescent African Aloe from Caspar Commelin’s "Praeludia Botanica" - 1703

Located in Langweer, NL

This engraving is a botanical illustration possibly from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," published in 1703. It depicts the Aloe ferox, a species of African aloe, known for it...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Prints

Materials

Paper

Botanical Engraving of Tithymalus Aiz Arbor from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706

Botanical Engraving of Tithymalus Aiz Arbor from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706

Located in Langweer, NL

Botanical Engraving of Tithymalus Aiz Arbor from Caspar Commelin’s Work, 1706 This engraving is possibly a botanical illustration from Caspar Commelin's "Praeludia Botanica," publis...

Category

Antique Early 1700s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

By Johann Weinmann

Located in Richmond, GB

Hand-coloured mezzotint engravings of decorative urns with aloes and cacti from: ""Phytanthoza Iconographia"", c1739, presented in hand- made, parcel-gilt, ebonised and decalcomania...

Category

18th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Mezzotint

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis

Located in Seaford, GB

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis – Hand Coloured Natural History Plate An original early 19th-century hand-coloured botanical engraving from the celebrated natural history publications of John Curtis (1791–1862), one of Britain’s most respected botanical and entomological illustrators. This beautifully detailed plate illustrates a flowering plant in scientific profile, showing bloom structure, leaves, buds, and root system with precision typical of early Victorian natural history illustration. Curtis’s work bridges science and art — created for study, yet prized today for its elegance and balance. These engravings formed part of the golden age of British botanical publishing, when artists collaborated with engravers and colourists to produce plates that were both accurate and visually refined. Each impression was printed from an engraved plate and then carefully coloured by hand, meaning no two examples are ever exactly identical. The composition has the clarity collectors seek: • Central botanical specimen • Naturalistic colour palette • Fine line engraving • Period scientific titling This makes it ideal as a single framed piece or as part of a gallery wall of antique botanical studies. About John Curtis John Curtis was a leading figure in British natural history illustration. He is best known for British Entomology and botanical works that combined taxonomic accuracy with graceful composition. His engravings are held in major museum collections and remain highly collectible in the decorative arts market. Period Early 19th century, circa 1820–1840. Technique Copperplate engraving with original hand colouring on laid paper. Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. Light toning and minor handling marks may be present, as expected with early 19th-century works on paper. Please see the images. Why Collect Curtis Botanical Prints...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British George III Prints

Materials

Paper

Caunga Cucumber Plant: A 17th Century Botanical Engraving by Hendrik van Rheede

Caunga Cucumber Plant: A 17th Century Botanical Engraving by Hendrik van Rheede

Located in Alamo, CA

This is a rare 17th century engraving of a plant entitled "Caunga" by the Dutch botanist Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein, plate 6 from his 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' (Garden of Malabar), published in Amsterdam in 1686 by Johann van Someren. The engraving depicts the caunga plant, also known as Inca cucumber or horned squash, which is a climbing vine that produces edible, cucumber-like fruits. Rheede's 19th century publication featured illustrations of exotic plants and fruits labelled with script in the upper right corner in Latin, Malay, Arabic, and Sanskrit. Hortus Indicus Malabaricus is believed to be the earliest comprehensive published work on the flora of Asia and the tropics. The 17th century treatise featured important illustrations of 740 plants of the region, including Indian medicinal plants. The engraving is printed on 17th century laid, chain-linked paper, watermarked with an elaborate crown design. The sheet measures 15.25" high by 18.88" wide. There is a central fold, as issued. There is a small dark spot on the left which appears to represent a paper inclusion which occurred when the hand-made paper was produced. The print is otherwise in excellent condition. There are additional Rheede botanical engravings from his 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' publication that are listed on my 1stdibs storefront and online website. These would make for an impressive display grouping. A discount is available for purchase of two or more of the prints. Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein...

Category

Late 17th Century Naturalistic Landscape Prints

Materials

Engraving

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

By Johann Weinmann

Located in Richmond, GB

Hand-coloured mezzotint engravings of decorative urns with aloes and cacti from: ""Phytanthoza Iconographia"", c1739, presented in hand- made, parcel-gilt, ebonised and decalcomania...

Category

18th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Mezzotint

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis

Located in Seaford, GB

Early 19th Century Botanical Engraving by John Curtis – Hand Coloured Natural History Plate An original early 19th-century hand-coloured botanical engraving from the celebrated natural history publications of John Curtis (1791–1862), one of Britain’s most respected botanical and entomological illustrators. This beautifully detailed plate illustrates a flowering plant in scientific profile, showing bloom structure, leaves, buds, and root system with precision typical of early Victorian natural history illustration. Curtis’s work bridges science and art — created for study, yet prized today for its elegance and balance. These engravings formed part of the golden age of British botanical publishing, when artists collaborated with engravers and colourists to produce plates that were both accurate and visually refined. Each impression was printed from an engraved plate and then carefully coloured by hand, meaning no two examples are ever exactly identical. The composition has the clarity collectors seek: • Central botanical specimen • Naturalistic colour palette • Fine line engraving • Period scientific titling This makes it ideal as a single framed piece or as part of a gallery wall of antique botanical studies. About John Curtis John Curtis was a leading figure in British natural history illustration. He is best known for British Entomology and botanical works that combined taxonomic accuracy with graceful composition. His engravings are held in major museum collections and remain highly collectable in the decorative arts market. Period Early 19th century, circa 1820–1840. Technique Copperplate engraving with original hand colouring on laid paper. Condition Good antique condition consistent with age. Light toning and minor handling marks may be present, as expected with early 19th-century works on paper. Please see the images. Why Collect Curtis Botanical Prints...

Category

Antique Early 19th Century British George III Prints

Materials

Paper

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

Johann Weinmann: 18th Century Engraving of an aloe in a decorative pot.

By Johann Weinmann

Located in Richmond, GB

PRICE IS FOR EACH FRAMED ITEM. MORE EXAMPLES AVAILABLE Hand-coloured mezzotint engravings of decorative urns with aloes and cacti from: ""Phytanthoza Iconographia"", c1739, present...

Category

18th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Materials

Watercolor, Mezzotint