Antique Botanical Hand-Colored Lithograph, Poplar or Tulip Tree, 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 the Poplar or Tulip Tree (Liriodendrum tulipifera), rendered in exceptionally rich detail with vivid greens, warm ochre tones, and the tree’s distinctive tulip-shaped bloom.

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 considered one of the most important early American botanical works ever produced, documenting native trees and plant species throughout the United States during the 19th century. The illustrations were created using engraved printing plates and then delicately colored by hand, giving each piece remarkable depth, variation, and craftsmanship that modern reproductions simply do not replicate.

The level of detail throughout the leaves, blossom, and branch structure is especially striking up close, while the saturated color palette feels surprisingly modern despite the piece’s age. 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 botanical a refined, finished presentation while keeping the antique print itself as the focus.

Shown with a companion Antique Botanical Hand-Colored Lithograph, Avicennia, 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.