Walter Hood Fitch Paintings & Artwork for Sale | Walter Hood Fitch Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 29, 2024
WALTER HOOD FITCH (1817-1892) Botanical Studies of Orchids lithographs (4) 24.5 x 16cm (each); 37 x 27cm (each, frame size)
Est: $400 - $600
WALTER HOOD FITCH (1817-1892) Botanical Studies of Orchids lithographs (4) printed by Vincent Brooks 24.5 x 16cm (each); 37 x 27cm (each, frame size) PROVENANCE: The Estate of Ron Walker, Melbourne
Leonard Joel
Sep. 29, 2024
19th C. Scottish Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Lithographs (6)
Est: $600 - $900
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892). Six color lithographs and seven pages of text from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," 1854-1912. A fabulous selection of six color lithographs and 7 pages of text by botanical illustrator Walter Hood Fitch from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," including: (1) "Blandfordia Flammea" from December 1st, 1854; (2) "Rhododendron Californicum" from July 1st, 1855; (3) "Rhododendron Keysii" from October 1st, 1855; (4) "Malortiea Simplex" from May 1st, 1861; (5) "Vaccinium Imrayi" from November 1st, 1861; and (6) "Ixora Lutea" from June 1912. Walter Hood Fitch was a botanical illustrator, born in Glasgow, Scotland, who executed some 10,000 drawings for various publications. His work in color lithograph, including 2700 illustrations for" Curtis's Botanical Magazine," produced up to 200 plates per year. Size (all the same): 9.5" L x 5.75" W (24.1 cm x 14.6 cm) Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #187960
Artemis Gallery
Aug. 29, 2024
Six 19th C. Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Lithographs
Est: $700 - $1,050
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892). Six color lithographs and seven pages of text from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," 1854-1912. A fabulous selection of six color lithographs and 7 pages of text by botanical illustrator Walter Hood Fitch from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," including: (1) "Blandfordia Flammea" from December 1st, 1854; (2) "Rhododendron Californicum" from July 1st, 1855; (3) "Rhododendron Keysii" from October 1st, 1855; (4) "Malortiea Simplex" from May 1st, 1861; (5) "Vaccinium Imrayi" from November 1st, 1861; and (6) "Ixora Lutea" from June 1912. Walter Hood Fitch was a botanical illustrator, born in Glasgow, Scotland, who executed some 10,000 drawings for various publications. His work in color lithograph, including 2700 illustrations for" Curtis's Botanical Magazine," produced up to 200 plates per year. Size (all the same): 9.5" L x 5.75" W (24.1 cm x 14.6 cm) Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #187960
Artemis Gallery
Aug. 17, 2024
WARNER & WALTER HOOD FITCH, SELECT ORCHIDACEOUS PLANTS 8PC
Est: $600 - $900
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892) 8 plates from Select Orchidaceous Plants by Robert Warner. Handcolored on wove paper. Printed by Vincent Brooks. Each print sheet measures a total of 17.75" tall x 12.75" wide, except for "Laelie Elegans Wolstenholmiae" which measures 17" x 12". Condition: 7 prints have tears to right side from when removed from binding, minor toning to all, "Laelie Elegans Wolstenholmiae" has a darker shade of toning, a trimmed right side, and a few small tears to edges; very minor damages to most corners, see images. Weight approx <0.5 lb
Auctions Neapolitan
Aug. 02, 2024
Six 19th C. Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Lithographs
Est: $800 - $1,200
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892). Six color lithographs and seven pages of text from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," 1854-1912. A fabulous selection of six color lithographs and 7 pages of text by botanical illustrator Walter Hood Fitch from "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," including: (1) "Blandfordia Flammea" from December 1st, 1854; (2) "Rhododendron Californicum" from July 1st, 1855; (3) "Rhododendron Keysii" from October 1st, 1855; (4) "Malortiea Simplex" from May 1st, 1861; (5) "Vaccinium Imrayi" from November 1st, 1861; and (6) "Ixora Lutea" from June 1912. Walter Hood Fitch was a botanical illustrator, born in Glasgow, Scotland, who executed some 10,000 drawings for various publications. His work in color lithograph, including 2700 illustrations for" Curtis's Botanical Magazine," produced up to 200 plates per year. Size (all the same): 9.5" L x 5.75" W (24.1 cm x 14.6 cm) Provenance: private Parker, Colorado, USA collection All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back. A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids. We ship worldwide and handle all shipping in-house for your convenience. #187960
Artemis Gallery
Jul. 10, 2024
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892): Curtis's Botanical Magazine: Eight Plates
Est: $400 - $800
Eight engravings with hand-coloring on wove paper. All 8 1/2 x 5 in. (sight), 13 x 9 1/2 in. (frame).
STAIR
Jun. 24, 2024
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish 1817 1892) 6 x Lithographs, Botanicals, Printed 'W. Fitch, del. et lith' & 'Vincent Brooks, Imp.', 25 x 15 sheet size each
Est: R4,000 - R6,000
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish 1817 1892) 6 x Lithographs, Botanicals, Printed 'W. Fitch, del. et lith' & 'Vincent Brooks, Imp.', 25 x 15 sheet size each
5th Avenue Auctioneers
Jun. 20, 2024
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892): Curtis's Botanical Magazine: Eight Plates
Est: $400 - $800
Eight engravings in black with hand-coloring on wove paper, 1843, original text sheets on the back of the frames. All 7 3/4 x 5 in. (plate), 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (frame).
STAIR
Jun. 09, 2024
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish 1817 1892) 6 x Lithographs, Botanicals, Printed 'W. Fitch, del. et lith' & 'Vincent Brooks, Imp.', 25 x 15 sheet size each
Est: R4,000 - R6,000
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish 1817 1892) 6 x Lithographs, Botanicals, Printed 'W. Fitch, del. et lith' & 'Vincent Brooks, Imp.', 25 x 15 sheet size each
5th Avenue Auctioneers
Dec. 07, 2023
Walter Hood Fitch (English, 1817-1892), A Group of Three Botanical Watercolor Drawings, dated 1879-1880
Est: $1,500 - $2,500
Walter Hood Fitch (English, 1817-1892), A Group of Three Botanical Watercolor Drawings, dated 1879-1880 Comprising a drawing titled Crimson M.H. Sanguinea, signed and dated, “J. Nugent Fitch/ 79,” l.l., inscribed verso, “Hort R. Warner 1879”; a drawing titled M.H. Reflexa, also inscribed, “Last in Bloom very long,” signed and dated, “J. Nugent Fitch/ 79,” l.l., inscribed verso, “Sanguinea Reflexa”; and a drawing titled Cypripedium Ashburtoniae, signed and dated, “J. Nugent Fitch/ 1880,” l.l.; all professionally mounted, matted, and framed. 6 7/8 in. x 4 ¾ in. and 6 7/8 in. x 5 in. (sight), 14 ¾ in. x 12 ¾ in. and 17 1/8 in. x 14 ½ in. (frame) Provenance Two: W. Graham Arader III, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania Private Collection, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Freeman's | Hindman
Dec. 07, 2023
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892): Curtis's Botanical Magazine: Eight Plates
Est: $1,000 - $1,500
Eight engravings in black with hand-coloring on wove paper, 1843, original text sheets on the back of the frames. All 7 3/4 x 5 in. (plate), 12 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (frame).
STAIR
Nov. 15, 2023
Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Thirteen lithographs of Orchids, Vincent Brooks Day & Son
Est: £300 - £500
Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Thirteen lithographs of Orchids, Vincent Brooks Day & Son * Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Thirteen lithographs of Orchids, originally published in Select Orchidaceous Plants by Robert Wagner, 1865-75, Vincent Brooks Day & Son, thirteen lithographs with contemporary hand-colouring, a few plates a little faded, each approximately, 435 x 305 mm, uniformly mounted, framed and glazed QTY: (13)
Dominic Winter Auctions
Apr. 05, 2023
Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Orchids 'Remanthera Lowii' and 'Cattleya Regnellii'
Est: £70 - £100
Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Orchids 'Remanthera Lowii' and 'Cattleya Regnellii' * Fitch (Walter Hood, 1817-1892). Orchids 'Remanthera Lowii' and 'Cattleya Regnellii', a pair of contemporary handcoloured lithographs, printed by Vincent Brooks & Vincent Brooks, Day & Son, plates IV and XXII from Select Orchidaceous Plants by Robert Wagner, 1865-75, each mounted separately, mount apertures 43 x 30 cm (17 x 11 3/4 ins), framed and glazed (62 x 48.5 cm) QTY: (2)
Dominic Winter Auctions
Sep. 24, 2022
FITCH WATERCOLOR OF A STUDY OF ROSES AND APPLES
Est: $10,000 - $15,000
FITCH, Walter Hood (1817-1892). A Study of Roses and Apples. Watercolor and Gouache. 17 3/4" x 14" sheet, 27 1/4" x 22 1/4" framed. Walter Hood Fitch was the most noted botanical artist of the 19th century to focus on orchids, and the foremost catalyst of what can aptly be termed British “orchidomania.” Incredibly attuned to the smallest details of the most exquisite flowers, Fitch was uniquely able to capture the beauty and complexity of the orchidaceae. The reasons for his acclaim were best described by Sir Joseph Hooker, who noted that Fitch was an “incomparable botanical artist,” with “unrivaled skill in seizing the natural character of a plant.” The artist reached the height of his fame in his splendid collaboration with James Bateman, producing the fabulous and important Monograph of the Odontoglossum (London, 1874), which described the range of this beautiful genus of American Orchids. Found at high altitudes, from “the confines of Florida to the frontiers of Chile” (preface), these orchids were among the most striking and exotic ever offered to avid European viewers. Yet the hand-colored lithographs that were published, while stunning, did not approach the depth of color and nuance to be found in Fitch’s original watercolors, mainly preserved today in the Royal Collection at Kew Gardens. The watercolors being offered here were discovered recently, and clearly intended as the unique prototypes for a second volume on the Odontoglossum. Despite the fact that Fitch created these flawless watercolors that more than rivaled the images of the first edition, the sequel was never brought to completion, and remains unrecorded even in its planning stages. That being said, it is difficult to approximate in words the vivid beauty of Fitch’s original compositions. The artist captured with outstanding naturalism and vibrancy the alternate subtlety and flamboyance of the American orchids, the textures of their soft, often translucent petals and opaque leaves and stems. Each defining characteristic is illuminated in profound detail, creating a suite of the most breathtakingly beautiful, large-scale images of orchids to come on the market. As noted, with the aid of such striking imagery, Fitch was largely responsible for creating an orchid mania in Victorian Britain. Huge greenhouses were built, and adding to such enthusiasm was the fact that Britain enjoyed a brisk trade in botanical specimens, and there was soon a proliferation of illustrated periodicals for horticulturists at every level of experience. Though many followed in Fitch’s footsteps, his contribution to English botanical art is unique. Many of the orchids immortalized in his watercolors have since been lost to cultivation, while some are exceedingly rare, and still others extinct. This represents an unparalleled opportunity to acquire original watercolors of outstanding accomplishment, by a foremost botanical artists.
Arader Galleries
Jun. 30, 2022
WALTER HOOD FITCH, BRITISH 1817-1892, BOTANICAL PRINT along with WHITE AND STRIPED ROSE, Lithograph, Sight: 8 1/2 x 5 1/2 in. (21.59 x 13.97 cm.), Frame: 23 x 19 3/8 in. (58.42 x 49.21 cm.)
Est: $100 - $200
WALTER HOOD FITCH BRITISH, 1817-1892 BOTANICAL PRINT along with WHITE AND STRIPED ROSE Lithograph Lower left signed: W. Fitch, del et lith, lower right inscribed; Vincent Brooks, Imp 5682; After John Edwards; "White and striped Rose," reproduction (2)
Potomack Company
Feb. 16, 2022
Walter Hood Fitch [BOTANICAL STUDIES] Twenty-six hand-colored engravings by Joseph Swan, from Curtis's Botantical Magazine
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892) [BOTANICAL STUDIES] Twenty-six hand-colored engravings by Joseph Swan, from Curtis's Botantical Magazine, published by Samuel Curtis, Essex, 1840-43, framed. Plates appoximately 8 1/4 x 5 7/8 inches; 210 x 149 mm. Frames 17 x 13 1/8 inches; 432 x 333 mm. C
DOYLE Auctioneers & Appraisers
Jul. 10, 2021
Walter Hood Fitch, Lithographer
Est: $600 - $900
(British, 1817-1892) Two botanicals from The Rhododendrons of Sikkim-Himalaya; being an account, botanical and geographical, of the Rhododendrons recently discovered in the mountains of Eastern Himalaya...,after drawings by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker (1817-1911),Reeve, Benham, and Reeve, publishers, London, 1849-51: Tab. XI sight, 18-3/8 x 14-3/8 in.; Tab VII, 17-1/2 x 14-3/8 in., hand colored lithographs, text attached verso; matching gilt wood frames, with French mats, 25-3/4 x 21-3/4 in.
Brunk Auctions
Dec. 09, 2020
2 Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Lithographs
Est: $400 - $600
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892). Two lithograph plates from Henry John Elwes's A monograph of the genus Lilium. Lilium Californicum and Lilium pardalinum, both with info and additional associated pages on verso. Each 21 3/4" x 14". Some waviness to paper.
Curated Estates
Mar. 23, 2019
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892), John Nugent Fitch (1840-1927), J. Andrews: The Orchid Album: Fourteen Plates
Est: $800 - $1,200
Fourteen lithographs with hand-coloring on wove paper, c. 1882, printed by Vincent Brooks.All 17 x 12 in. (sight), 31 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (frame).
STAIR
Mar. 23, 2019
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892): The Orchid Album: Fourteen Plates
Est: $800 - $1,200
Fourteen Lithographs with hand-coloring on wove paper, c. 1882, printed by Vincent Brooks, six from the first series, eight from the second series.All 31 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (sight), 7 x 12 in. (frame).
STAIR
Mar. 23, 2019
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892), James Andrews, John Nugent Fitch (1840-1927) and MacFarlane: The Orchid Album: Fourteen Plates
Est: $800 - $1,200
Fourteen lithographs with hand-coloring on wove paper, c. 1882, printed by Vincent Brooks.All 17 x 12 in. (sight), 31 1/2 x 21 1/4 in. (frame).
STAIR
May. 08, 2017
WALTER HOOD FITCH (Scottish. 1817-1892)
Est: $50 - $100
“Peaches”. Two Chromolithographs. William, Jackson Hooker, “Florets and Pomologist”, 1878-1884, Hogg Pub., London. Measuring 9 ½” by 6”. 13 ½” by 10 ½” overall. (Cond: one with small minor tears to edges)
Auction Gallery of the Palm Beaches
Nov. 17, 2015
6 BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS
Est: -
6 BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATIONS England, 1834 - 1844 Coloured engravings, engraved by Joseph Swan after drawings by Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892), from: Curtis Botanical Magazine.
Sigalas
Sep. 27, 2014
Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Print
Est: $200 - $300
Walter Hood Fitch Botanical Print. Original painting by W.H. Fitch, engraving by Sir John Dalton Hooker and lithograph by Reeve, Benham & Reeve. Plate number 2 of the series, "Rhododendron Dalhousiae, hiik. fil.". 18 in. high x 14 in. wide.
Fontaine's Auction Gallery
Aug. 23, 2012
Walter Hood Fitch, (Scottish, 1817-1892), Iris
Est: $80 - $120
Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892) Iris handcolored lithograph Vincent Brooks Day & Son, Imp. (lower right), W. Fitch del. & Lith (lower left) 8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches.
Hindman
Jun. 26, 2011
A Collection of Six Antique English Prints of
Est: $500 - $700
A Collection of Six Antique English Prints of Orchids, color lithographs, after Walter Hood Fitch (Scottish, 1817-1892), each monogrammed "WHF" in plate, published by Fitch, engraved by W. West, each sight 16 3/4 in. x 11 3/4 in., attractively matted and framed alike.
Neal Auction Company
Feb. 24, 2011
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892), British THREE
Est: $500 - $700
Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892), British THREE STUDIES OF ORCHIDS: ANGULOA RUCKERI; CATTLEYA DOWIANA; CATTLEYA HARDYANA; Three handcoloured lithographs with letters; the first two plates published by Vincent Brooks, Day & Son; the third, a smaller plate, published by B.S. Williams Image 16" x 11" - 40.6 x 27.9 cm.; 10.25" x 8.25" - 26 x 21 cm.; 26.75" x 20.5" - 67.9 x 52.1 cm.; 18.9" x 16.5" - 48 x 41.9 cm.
Waddington's
Sep. 01, 2010
Walter Hood Fitch (Active 19th Century)
Est: -
Walter Hood Fitch (Active 19th Century) [Orchids]: Six Plates six lithographs with hand-coloring, on wove paper, with margins one L. 15¼ x 11¼ in. (387 x 286 mm.) (6)
Christie's
Mar. 02, 2010
Walter Hood Fitch (Active 19th Century)
Est: $1,600 - $2,400
Walter Hood Fitch (Active 19th Century) [Orchids]: Six Plates six lithographs with hand-coloring, on wove paper, with margins one L. 14 x 10 in. (356 x 254 mm.) (6)
Christie's
Dec. 13, 2008
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English 1817-1892). Two
Est: $200 - $300
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English, 1817-1892). Two studies of lilies from "Monograph of the Genus Lilium", Lilium medeoloides; Lilium pyrenaicum. Lithographs with hand-coloring. Framed - 20 in. x 13 in., sight size
Sloans & Kenyon
Dec. 13, 2008
CHINESE MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID WOODEN MIRROR AND STAND. 20th century.
Est: $200 - $300
CHINESE MOTHER-OF-PEARL INLAID WOODEN MIRROR AND STAND. 20th century.
Sloans & Kenyon
Jul. 26, 2008
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English 1817-1892). Two
Est: $250 - $350
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English, 1817-1892). Two studies of lilies from "Monograph of the Genus Lilium", Lilium medeoloides; Lilium pyrenaicum. Lithographs with hand-coloring - 20 in. x 13 in., sight size
Sloans & Kenyon
Sep. 15, 2007
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English, 1817-1892). Two studies of lilies from "Monograph of the Genus Lilium", Lilium medeoloides; Lilium pyrenaic
Est: $300 - $400
WALTER HOOD FITCH (English, 1817-1892). Two studies of lilies from "Monograph of the Genus Lilium", Lilium medeoloides; Lilium pyrenaicum. Lithographs with hand-coloring - 20 in. x 13 in., sight size
Sloans & Kenyon
Mar. 07, 2007
Studies of Orchids
Est: £200 - £300
Walter Hood Fitch (mid 19th Century) Studies of Orchids handcoloured lithographs, heightened with gum arabic unframed S. 17½ x 12 5/8in. (44.5 x 32cm.) (6)
Christie's
Oct. 03, 2006
Walter Hood Fitch (mid 19th Century)
Est: £300 - £400
Studies of Orchids handcoloured lithographs, heightened with gum arabic unframed S. 17 1/2 x 12 5/8in. (44.5 x 32cm.) (6)
Christie's
Feb. 24, 2006
WALTER FITCH (1817-1892) TULIPS 23cm x 14.5cm and four others (5)
Est: £150 - £250
WALTER FITCH (1817-1892) TULIPS Lithograph, hand-coloured 23cm x 14.5cm and four others (5)
Lyon & Turnbull
Aug. 12, 2004
Walter Fitch
Est: $100 - $150
[FLORAL STUDIES] Eight hand-colored lithographs (in two frames). Sight of each sheet 9 x 5 1/2 inches
Doyle New York
Jul. 13, 2004
WALTER HOOD FITCH (1817-1892), JOSEPH DALTON HOOKER (1817-1911) [EDITOR]
Est: $2,000 - $3,000
The Botanical Magazine or Flower Garden Displayed: Six Plates six lithographs with hand-coloring, circa 1850, on wove papers, published by William Curtis, London, all with margins, pale light-staining to varying degrees, occasional minor surface soiling, otherwise all apparently in very good condition, not examined out of the frames all L. approx. 14 x 11 in. (356 x 279 mm.) all overall 23 1/2 x 20 in. (597 x 508 mm.) (6)
Christie's
Jan. 08, 2004
Walter Fitch
Est: $400 - $600
[FLORAL STUDIES] Eight hand-colored lithographs (in two frames). Sight of each sheet 9 x 5 1/2 inches
Doyle New York
Oct. 08, 2003
Walter Fitch
Est: $800 - $1,200
[FLORAL STUDIES] Eight hand-colored lithographs (in two frames). Sight of each sheet 9 x 5 1/2 inches
Doyle New York
Oct. 08, 2003
Walter Fitch
Est: $400 - $600
[FLORAL STUDIES] Eight hand-colored lithographs (in two frames). Sight of each sheet 9 x 5 1/2 inches
Doyle New York
Jul. 26, 2003
LITHOGRAPHS
Est: $200 - $300
PAIR OF CURTIS BOTANICALS OF BROAD LEAF PLANTS, 'HIGGINSIA REGALIS' AND 'CENTRADENIA GRANDIFLOLIA'. LONDON 3RD QUARTER 19TH C. PUBL. BY FITCH (WALTER HOOD, 1817-1892) & BROOKS (VINCENT, 1814-1885). FRAMES: MAHOGANY BEVELED W/ GOLD BEAD LINER. MATTED AND GLAZED. SS: 9 7/8" X 5 3/8"". OS: 15 1/2" X12".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Jul. 26, 2003
ENGRAVINGS, HANDCOLORED
Est: $300 - $500
4 FRAMED BOTANICALS OF FITCH (WALTER HOOD, 1817-1892) ORCHIDS IN MAPLE FRAMES, LONDON, LATE 19TH C. INCLUDING: COELOGYNE SCHIIERIANA, CATTLEYA ACLANDIAE, DENDROBIUM PULCHELLUM AND CHYSIS AUREA. SS: 9 1/4" X 5 3/4", OS: 19 3/8" X 15 1/2".
Thomaston Place Auction Galleries
Dec. 18, 2002
HOOKER, William Jackson and Walter FITCH (1817-1892). Victoria Regia; or, illustrations of the Royal Water-Lily, in a series of figures chiefly made from specimens flowering at Syon and at Kew. London: Reeve and Benham, 1851.
Est: $15,000 - $25,000
Broadsheets (746 x 539 mm). 11 leaves letterpress: title, dedication, pp. [5]-20, [21]. 4 HAND-COLORED LITHOGRAPHIC PLATES after Fitch by Reeve, the fourth plate (Analyses) partly colored (some slight cockling). (Few marginal repairs to text leaves.) Modern half morocco, blue boards, preserving original morocco cover label. Provenance : George W. Smith (bookplate presenting the volume in 1852 to); Massachusetts Horticultural Society (bookplate). FIRST EDITION. This gigantic water-lily of Central and South American was first reported to have been seen by European naturalists in 1801. It was not until 1837 that a specimen was taken by Sir Robert Schomburgk in British Guiana and named for Queen Victoria in the first year of her reign. The "vegetable wonder" captured the imagination of the Victorians by its immense size--leaves up to six feet in diameter--and by its startling growth rate and the strength of its leaves. There are 3 large folio monographs on this rare plant, the first Lindley's Victoria Regia (London, 1837), containing one plate, and limited to 25 copies. Fourteen years later Hooker collaborated with Fitch to produce the present work, including four plates, and recorded the first flowering of the plant in 1849, at Chatsworth, under the careful supervision of Joseph Paxton. The third was an American monograph, John Fisk Allen's Victoria regia, with six plates by William Sharp, published in Boston in 1854. The last copy of the present work to appear at auction was sold at Christie's New York, 8 June 1990, lot 292. Great Flower Books, p.60; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 3014 (noting 20 pages letterpress, and not noting the final leaf "References to the Plates").
Christie's