Antique Botanical Hand-Colored Lithograph, Avicennia, 1859

From The North American Sylva; Or, A Description of the Forest Trees of the United States by André François Michaux and Thomas Nuttall, published in Philadelphia in 1859. This original hand-colored botanical lithograph depicts Avicennia, illustrated with extraordinary detail and richly layered hand-applied color throughout the foliage, blossoms, and branching forms.

I acquired this piece directly from a retired Denver gallery owner and printmaker who specialized in antique botanical and natural history prints. The original Tam O’Neill Fine Arts documentation remains included with the piece, along with the original accompanying chapter pages for the botanical, complete with beautiful gilt page edges.

The North American Sylva is regarded as one of the landmark botanical publications of the 19th century, celebrated for documenting native American trees and plant life with an extraordinary level of scientific and artistic precision. These illustrations were produced from engraved printing plates and individually finished by hand, resulting in subtle tonal variation and detail unique to antique botanical works of the period.

The intricate rendering and dramatic coloration make this piece especially compelling. Professionally framed with a double-thick white mat, hand-drawn French lines, glass, dust-paper backing, and a warm giltwood frame with brown speckling and patina throughout, giving the piece an elevated and collected feel while allowing the antique botanical itself to remain the focal point.

Shown with a companion Antique Botanical Hand-Colored Lithograph, Poplar or Tulip Tree, 1859, sold separately. 

Measurements: 10.5” W x 13.5” H framed.

Condition: Some foxing present consistent with age.

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Shipping note: I will always refund any shipping overage if the actual cost is less than the estimated amount. If you purchase multiple items, I'm happy to combine shipping. Please reach out with any questions.