Weinmann — Lily Mezzotint c.1740
Weinmann — Lily Mezzotint c.1740
A mezzotint plate depicting a lily from Weinmann's Phytanthoza Iconographia (Regensburg, 1735–1745). The mezzotint technique — rare in 18th-century botanical illustration — gives this plate a velvety tonal depth unmatched by standard copper engravings or lithographs. Lilies are among the most decorative subjects in botanical art, appealing to both serious plant collectors and interior designers alike.
About Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683–1741)
Johann Wilhelm Weinmann was a German pharmacist and botanist based in Regensburg. He was one of the pioneers of large-scale scientific botanical illustration, commissioning a young Georg Dionysius Ehret (who later became the most celebrated botanical artist of the 18th century) as one of his early illustrators.
About the Work
Phytanthoza Iconographia (Regensburg, 1735–1745) was a monumental eight-volume work containing over 1,000 mezzotint plates of plants — the first large-scale botanical work to use the mezzotint technique, which allowed extraordinary tonal depth and a velvety quality of color. Many plates depict exotic species introduced to Europe from the New World and the East Indies.
Scarcity & Market Context
Complete Weinmann sets appear at auction only every few years and sell in the $8,000–$20,000+ range. Individual mezzotint plates — especially of dramatic exotic subjects like lilies, tulips, and tropical fruits — are prized by interior designers and botanical collectors. The mezzotint technique is what gives these plates their distinctive luxurious quality, and well-preserved examples with even color and wide margins are increasingly hard to find.
Institutional Holdings
Complete copies at the British Library, Bibliothèque nationale de France, Missouri Botanical Garden, and other major botanical libraries.
Dimensions
Sheet approximately 14 × 9 inches
Frame: This piece ships unframed — the sheet or plate only. We can recommend framers in your area or ship to your preferred framer. Professional framing with archival materials typically runs $150–$400 depending on size and finish.
Shipping Terms
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Important Buyer Notice
These pieces are antique originals, ranging from approximately 100 to over 400 years old. Each piece will show varying degrees of age-appropriate condition: paper toning, foxing, edge wear, fold marks, minor restoration, light staining, and other natural signs of age are common and expected for works of this period. Condition varies from piece to piece.
It is the buyer's responsibility to confirm that the piece is in the condition they require before purchase. We are always happy to answer any questions about the state of the work, provide additional photographs of specific areas, describe any flaws or repairs in detail, or arrange a video review before you buy. Please contact us at any time with questions — we believe an informed buyer is the best customer.
All pieces are guaranteed authentic originals (not reproductions, facsimiles, or modern prints). We offer a full refund if authenticity is ever disputed by a qualified third party.