Antique Red Heliconia Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880

Title: Antique Red Heliconia Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880

Description:

A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Musa coccinea Andr., now classified as Heliconia bihai var. coccinea or commonly known as Red Heliconia, Scarlet Heliconia, or Red False Bird-of-Paradise. One of the most spectacular ornamental plants of the tropical world, it is admired for its brilliant scarlet flower bracts, lush banana-like foliage, and bold architectural form.

Native to tropical South America, Red Heliconia became widely cultivated throughout Indonesia and the Dutch East Indies, where its dramatic flowers flourished in tropical gardens. The vivid red inflorescences attract hummingbirds in their native habitat and remain among the most striking floral displays found in the tropics.

The composition illustrates the magnificent flowering spike together with elegant foliage and detailed botanical studies of the floral structure. The bold vertical design, vibrant scarlet coloration and sculptural form make this one of the most dramatic and decorative plates from Berthe Hoola van Nooten's celebrated botanical masterpiece.

The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817 to 1892). It was published in her masterpiece, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, widely regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical publications devoted to the flora of the Dutch East Indies. Printed in rich chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent, this plate was issued in the third edition published in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.

Today, Red Heliconia is one of the world's most iconic tropical ornamental plants, extensively cultivated throughout Southeast Asia, Hawaii and the Caribbean. Its striking appearance makes this one of the most sought-after decorative botanical plates in the Hoola van Nooten series.

This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.

Artist:

Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817 to 1892)

Publication:

Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java

Publisher:

Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt, Brussels

Printer:

P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent

Date:

Circa 1880

Medium:

Original chromolithograph on wove paper.

Condition:

Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.

Keywords:

original antique print, original chromolithograph, botanical print, Musa coccinea, Red Heliconia, Scarlet Heliconia, Heliconia, False Bird of Paradise, tropical flower, exotic flower, tropical botanical art, Indonesia, Java, Southeast Asia, Dutch East Indies, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Victorian botanical illustration, nineteenth century botanical print, antique botanical wall art, natural history print, scientific illustration, P. De Pannemaeker, Muquardt Brussels, museum quality botanical art, rare botanical print, collectible botanical print, circa 1880

The brilliant scarlet inflorescence and bold tropical form make this one of the most decorative floral subjects in the entire Hoola van Nooten series. Its strong visual impact and enduring popularity with collectors and interior designers justify positioning it in the premium tier alongside Durian, Mango, Cashew, Buddha's Hand Citron and Cacao.