Set of 4, antique, German hand-colored copperplate engravings of various fruits in custom gilt picture frames from Switzerland. This set of prints comes from "Unterhaltungen aus der Naturgeschichte", the 19th century German encyclopedia of natural history, created by Gottlieb Tobias Wilhelm (1858-1811). Wilhelm, a Protestant pastor and botanist, created the reference collection as he wanted to showcase the "wonder of God's creations through scientific detail of the natural world" and present it all in a fashion that made the information accessible to all. The encyclopedia was originally published in weekly installments starting in 1782, covering classification of mammals, insects, birds, reptiles, botanicals, human physiology, mineralogy, and more. Wilhelm, the son of an engraver in the renowned publishing center of Augsburg, Germany, was able to have the famed B.F. Leizelt and J.J. Schmuzer, 2 of the most revered engravers of the time create the images, as well as J.Schaly, when the printing was moved to Vienna in 1816. The German editions were printed by Martin Englebrecht, one of the most prolific printing houses in Augsburg. The encyclopedia was one of the most successful scientific publishing ventures of the time and the Bavarian government made the books official reading material for its public schools. These prints show a detailed illustration of various fruits through copperplate engraved and hand colored prints which include reference numbers to information on the classifications, detailed names and characteristics of each found on other pages of the book in which the print was a part. These 4 prints include apples, pears, and 2 collections of plum varieties as follows:

Apples: Paternoster Apple, Summer Rose Apple, Muscat Reinette Apple
Plums: Blue German Plum, Spatzwetschge, Chypre, Violet Damson
Plums: Jerusalem plum, Prune Datte, Petit Mirabelle, Raine Claude, Prune Jeune Hatif, Prund de Brugnolle
Pears: Loenz Pear, Bell Pear, Virgouleuse Pear

The prints were carefully framed in the mid-20th century using hand embellished and cut mats and framed in gold leafed, custom-made wood frames from a now-defunct, gilding workshop in Aarau, Switzerland and are offered as found from an estate collection in Switzerland. The backs of each piece have dust covers and hanging loops as well as the original framer's sticker. Each framed piece measures 10 5/8" by 8 1/4" by 1/2" deep. A lovely traditional and colorful set to add a colorful and natural element to a kitchen, eating area or library.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Overall, the set is in very good condition, with some patina and wear to the gold on the frames.

Origin:
Germany

Materials & Techniques:
Engraving, Gold Leaf, Paper, Wood

Details:
Frame Type: Framed
Art Subjects: Botanic
What type of item is it? Vintage / Antique / Used
Country of Origin: Germany

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Overall, the set is in very good condition, with some patina and wear to the gold on the frames.