Antique Fruit Prints, Pears, Strawberry, Apple with Insects, circa 1850

Antique Fruit Prints, Pears, Strawberry, Apple with Insects, c.1840s–1850s

A charming set of five original hand-colored lithographs depicting a variety of fruits with exceptional natural detail. The prints feature: two different varieties of pears; a pear cross-section with insects (including a cricket and a long-legged harvestman spider); a botanical study of strawberries with blossoms, ripe fruit, and unripe berries; and a branch bearing a richly shaded apple. Each composition balances scientific accuracy with vivid hand-applied coloring, capturing the freshness of 19th-century botanical art.

These prints, produced in Europe during the 1840s–1850s, reflect the era’s fascination with pomology and horticulture. Works such as these were published in illustrated series that documented fruit species for gardeners, collectors, and naturalists, while also serving as decorative works of art for refined interiors. The addition of insects on the pear plate highlights the interconnectedness of plant life and the natural world, making the set particularly appealing for both botanical and entomological collectors.

Together, the five prints offer a lively and colorful glimpse into early 19th-century natural history illustration. Their strong colors and fine condition make them highly decorative and ideal for display either as a complete set or individually.

Condition: Good impressions with vibrant original hand coloring. Light toning and scattered age-related spots to margins, not affecting the images. Plate marks visible. Paper remains strong, suitable for framing.

Framing tips: These prints would be striking framed as a set of five in a symmetrical arrangement. Consider dark wood or gilded frames with cream or pale green mounts to complement the fruit tones. When displayed together, they create a vibrant and elegant botanical ensemble.

Technique: Hand-colored lithograph

Maker: Anonymous, European, c.1840s–1850s