Antique Botanical Engravings of Meadow Foxtail, Polypogon & Agrostis, c.1830

Set of 8 Antique Botanical Engravings of Meadow Foxtail, Polypogon & Agrostis, c.1830

This elegant set of eight antique botanical engravings presents a finely curated selection of British meadow grasses, produced around 1830 in the classic early nineteenth-century natural-history style. The group features several highly decorative genera, including Alopecurus (Meadow Foxtail), Lagurus (Hare’s-tail Grass), Polypogon (Beard Grasses), Milium (Millet Grass), Cenchrus (Bristle Grass), and Agrostis (Bent Grass). Each plate is engraved with scientific precision and enhanced with subtle original hand coloring that highlights the soft greens, golds, and seed-head textures characteristic of these grasses.

The set begins with Alopecurus geniculatus and Lagurus ovatus, two grasses prized for their distinctive flowering heads, the glossy cylindrical spike of foxtail and the softly tufted oval plume of hare’s-tail grass. Several Polypogon species follow, showing airy, feathery inflorescences and fine root structures. The Milium and Cenchrus plates introduce contrasting shapes, with branching panicles and bristled flower clusters, while the final Agrostis engravings feature delicate, open panicles and slender stems, beautifully rendered in the refined, understated manner typical of Sowerby’s work.

Together, these eight sheets form a balanced and harmonious botanical ensemble. Their vertical format, matching paper tone, crisp plate marks, and varying grass structures, from soft tufts to airy branching forms, make the set especially suitable for creating a decorative meadow-themed wall display. Whether used in contemporary interiors, Scandinavian-style spaces, or classic botanical arrangements, these engravings bring a sense of natural calm and refined simplicity.

Condition Report:

Good condition overall, with gentle age toning and occasional foxing typical of early nineteenth-century paper. Plate impressions clear on all sheets. Minor edge wear only; no tears or major defects. Suitable for framing.

Framing Tips:

These engravings pair beautifully with natural-wood frames such as oak, beech, or birch. Warm white or ivory mats brighten the paper tone and emphasize the soft structural forms of the grasses. For a more traditional look, slim gilt frames add contrast and sophistication. A two-row grid of four prints makes an ideal presentation.

Technique: Copperplate engraving with original hand coloring

Maker: James Sowerby, London, c.1830