Antique Fern Botanical Print | Asplenium Belangeri & A. Obtusatum

Antique Fern Botanical Print | Asplenium Belangeri & A. Obtusatum

An original antique botanical print from the 1870s, Plate V, Volume 5, featuring two fern species side by side: Asplenium Belangeri and A. Obtusatum. The left frond is long, slender, and finely textured, with dense, narrow pinnae running its full length, while the right frond shows broader, more deeply lobed leaflets in a warm yellow-green; a lovely study in contrasting fern forms on a single page.

This plate captures the botanical diversity that made ferns such a captivating subject during the Victorian "pteridomania" era, when collectors and illustrators alike were drawn to the endless variety of frond shapes and textures found in nature. This is a genuine antique page, not a modern reproduction, carrying the natural texture, tone, and gentle imperfections of a print over one hundred and fifty years old.

Country of Origin: England
Estimated Date: 1870s
Material: Original antique lithograph, Plate V, Volume 5
Dimensions: 9¾" L × 6½" W

Condition
Good antique condition, consistent with a print of this age. Minor toning, foxing, or edge wear may be present, which is expected of an original page over 150 years old. These honest imperfections contribute to the authenticity and character of the piece and do not detract from its beauty or display quality. Please review all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.

Collected Notes
The mid-to-late nineteenth century saw an extraordinary wave of enthusiasm for ferns across England, a craze so widespread it earned its own name: pteridomania. Botanical illustrators of the period produced detailed lithographic plates documenting the astonishing variety of frond shapes, textures, and colors found across fern species, many of which were bound into multi-volume reference sets. Genuine plates from these volumes, like this one, offer a direct window into that Victorian fascination with the natural world.

Why We Collected It
We were drawn to this plate for the striking contrast between its two fern specimens--one fine and feathery, the other broad and lobed--captured together on a single page. It is exactly the kind of quietly scholarly, beautifully rendered botanical print that adds depth and history to a gallery wall without ever feeling fussy or overly formal.

Styling Inspiration
Frame this print simply, in a slim black or natural wood frame with generous matting, and hang it alongside other botanical plates for an evolving gallery wall. It also makes a lovely standalone piece in a reading nook, powder room, or home office, and pairs beautifully with antique natural history prints, pressed botanicals, or vintage garden tools for a collected, naturalist-inspired look.

*Note: This is an unframed art piece. Please inquire for pricing on framing options.