Pair of 19th-Century Hand-Colored Botanical Engravings after Robert Furber | September & December Plates

The Piece

Botanical Plate “December” after Robert Furber’s Twelve Months of Flowers, 1732
Hand-colored engraved print, later impression
England, likely 19th century

A hand-colored engraved botanical plate depicting seasonal fruits and specimens associated with the month of December, after the celebrated 1732 horticultural calendar Twelve Months of Flowers by Robert Furber. The composition presents a carefully structured arrangement of pears, apples, berries, and other fruits, rendered with both scientific clarity and decorative elegance.

The central cartouche bears the inscription “DECEMBER 1732”, referencing the original publication date, while the lower margin retains engraved botanical labels identifying individual specimens. The plate credit “Engraved by H. Fletcher” appears along the edge, corresponding to Henry Fletcher, who engraved several plates for Furber’s series.

Historical Context

Published in 1732, Twelve Months of Flowers was among the most influential horticultural works of the 18th century. Furber, a London nurseryman and seedsman, created the calendar as both a practical guide and a promotional catalogue, illustrating flowers and fruits available throughout the year. The series bridged botany, commerce, and decorative art, helping standardize how plants were visually documented and marketed.

Copperplates from Furber’s calendar remained in circulation for decades, and legitimate impressions were pulled well beyond the original publication year. These later impressions—often hand-colored and printed on high-quality paper—were acquired by collectors, gardeners, and decorators who valued both their scientific utility and visual richness.

This example represents one such later impression, produced using traditional engraving methods rather than modern photomechanical processes.

Print & Material Characteristics

The image is executed as a true copperplate engraving, with fine linear work and crisp definition throughout. Color has been applied by hand using watercolor pigments layered directly over the engraved lines, resulting in subtle variation and transparency rather than uniform printed color.

The paper exhibits natural age toning, gentle surface undulation, and a tactile quality consistent with earlier production. While the exact impression date cannot be determined without removal from the frame, the materials and printing method confirm this is not a modern reproduction, offset lithograph, or decorative poster.

Dating & Attribution

• Original plate: 1732

• Artist: Robert Furber

• Engraver: Henry Fletcher

• This impression: Later hand-colored impression, likely 19th century

This dating reflects a conservative and responsible assessment based on visible material evidence alone.

Frame

The print is presented in a gilt wood frame with blue matting. The frame and mat are later additions and serve a protective and decorative function only; they are not relied upon for dating the print itself.

Condition

Very good condition for an engraved botanical of this type.

The paper shows even age toning and minor surface wear consistent with long-term preservation. Engraving lines remain sharp and legible, and the hand coloring is well retained with no obvious losses. No major tears or structural damage observed.

Why It Belongs in Your Home

This piece operates at the intersection of art, science, and domestic history.

Botanical engravings such as this were created to educate, catalogue, and beautify—functions that still resonate today. Displayed in a kitchen, dining room, study, or library, the print introduces texture and depth without visual excess. Its subject matter is timeless, its palette restrained, and its presence quietly authoritative.

Rather than dictating a narrative, it invites slow looking and rewards familiarity—an object that grows more compelling the longer it lives with you.

From Viridian Eclection

Viridian Eclection curates objects with layered histories and enduring relevance. This hand-colored botanical engraving, drawn from one of the most important horticultural publications of the 18th century, reflects a lineage of craft, observation, and care—preserved here with integrity and presented without embellishment.