Louis Van Houtte · Ghent, Belgium · Mid-19th Century
A beautiful and highly decorative antique botanical illustration depicting the extraordinary Victoria Regia giant water lilies growing inside the magnificent glasshouse at the celebrated horticultural establishment of Louis Van Houtte in Ghent, Belgium.
Dating stylistically to the mid-19th century, circa 1850s, this finely detailed coloured print captures the fascination surrounding one of the Victorian era's greatest botanical sensations.
The composition shows enormous circular floating lily leaves, delicate flowers and elegantly dressed Victorian visitors admiring the remarkable plants beneath an impressive domed glasshouse.
"Vue intérieure de la SERRE VICTORIA, dans l'établissement Van Houtte."
"Interior View of the Victoria Greenhouse at Van Houtte's Establishment."
Louis Van Houtte (1810–1876) was one of Europe's most influential horticulturists and botanical publishers, renowned for his magnificent illustrated publication Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe.
The giant South American water lily, originally known as Victoria regia and now generally called Victoria amazonica, caused enormous excitement when successfully cultivated in European glasshouses during the 19th century.
Its extraordinary floating leaves, capable of reaching several feet across, became symbols of Victorian botanical achievement and inspired the construction of specially designed heated glasshouses.
Unlike conventional botanical plates depicting an isolated flower or plant, this fascinating illustration records the entire greenhouse setting, complete with visitors in period costume, architectural details and the spectacular aquatic display.
Antique condition with age-related discolouration and some wear and irregularities to the paper edges, particularly along the lower margin.
The illustration itself remains attractive, with its delicate colouring and architectural detail clearly visible.
Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the description and show the actual item offered for sale.
A charming piece of Victorian botanical and horticultural history.
Of particular interest to collectors of antique botanical prints, historic greenhouses, Victorian gardens, water lilies and 19th-century horticulture.