Orchids & Norfolk Pine, Set of 3 Antique Botanical Lithographs 1897

Set of 3 antique botanical lithographs, Orchids & Norfolk Pine, 1897

This set of three (unframed!) hand-colored botanical lithographs was published in 1897 in Favourite Flowers of Garden and Greenhouse by Edward Step, one of the most charming and decorative late Victorian botanical works. Issued in London, the series combined accurate scientific detail with rich coloring to appeal both to gardeners and collectors.

The first plate features Laelia purpurata, a magnificent orchid species admired for its large white petals and deep purple-magenta throat. The second plate depicts the delicate fronds of the Norfolk Island Pine (Araucaria excelsa), a plant beloved in the 19th century as both an ornamental and conservatory specimen. The third plate presents a group of exotic Masdevallia orchids, including M. coccinea, M. gemmata, and M. chimæra, with their strikingly unusual forms and vibrant colors. Together, the three lithographs showcase the Victorian fascination with orchids and rare plants, which were prized both for their beauty and as status symbols in horticultural circles.

These prints are presented as an unframed set of three, offering versatility for display. They would make a refined wall arrangement in a botanical-themed interior, a garden room, or as an elegant addition to a collector’s library.

Condition report:

Very good condition. Fine hand-coloring preserved with fresh tones. Some light toning to margins consistent with age. No folds or tears. They are sold as a set of three without frame or matting board.

Framing tips:

These three prints are best displayed together, either in a horizontal row or vertically stacked. Matching frames in dark wood, oak, or black with ivory or pale green mats will enhance the botanical detail and unify the set. For a more contemporary effect, slim black frames with wide white mats will create a clean presentation.

Technique: Hand-colored lithographs

Maker: Edward Step, London, 1897