Original Antique Botanical Chromolithograph of Queen's Crape Myrtle, c. 1880

Original Antique Botanical Chromolithograph of Queen's Crape Myrtle, c. 1880

Description:

A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Lagerstroemia regia Roxb., now generally regarded as Lagerstroemia speciosa, commonly known as Queen's Crape Myrtle, Queen's Flower, Pride of India, or Giant Crape Myrtle. One of the most spectacular flowering trees of tropical Asia, it is celebrated for its abundant clusters of delicate lavender-pink blossoms that transform the tree into a spectacular display during the flowering season.

Native to Southeast Asia and the Indian subcontinent, Queen's Crape Myrtle has long been cultivated throughout Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand and India as one of the finest ornamental shade trees. Beyond its exceptional beauty, the species has also been valued in traditional medicine, while its durable timber has been used for fine woodworking.

The composition beautifully illustrates flowering branches together with detailed botanical studies of the reproductive structures, demonstrating the remarkable scientific accuracy and artistic refinement for which Berthe Hoola van Nooten's work is renowned. The graceful blossoms and broad tropical foliage make this one of the most elegant floral plates from the celebrated series.

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, Queen's Crape Myrtle remains one of the most admired flowering trees of the tropics and is widely planted in parks, botanical gardens and luxury resorts throughout Southeast Asia. This original antique print combines botanical significance with outstanding decorative appeal and is among the most attractive flowering subjects from 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, Queen's Crape Myrtle, Queen's Flower, Giant Crape Myrtle, Pride of India, Lagerstroemia regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, tropical flowering tree, purple flowers, Southeast Asian flora, Java, Indonesia, 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

This is one of the finest flowering tree subjects in the Hoola van Nooten series. Its large lavender blossoms, strong decorative composition, and enduring popularity throughout tropical Asia justify positioning it in the upper tier of the collection alongside Amherstia and Buddha's Hand Citron.