Johann (1783) Sturm Sold at Auction Prices

HAND COLORED 19TH c. BOTANICAL ENGRAVING

Original Hand Colored Botanical Engraving, Pedicularis Versicular, Buntes Lausekraut. From Deutschlands Flora, Volume 4 by Jacob Sturm (1771-1848) and son, Johann Wilhelm Sturm (1808-1865) Nuremberg, Germany published between 1798-1862. This is engraving #1780 from page 379. Professionally framed and matted. Sturm became a celebrated insect collector and founded the Nuremberg Society for Natural History. His entomological and botanical plates are very accurately drawn and show minute details and enjoyed a great popularity among naturalists. As most of his works were published in a small format, they could be purchased by a larger public and they were very popular. During this period, Nuremberg was the center of natural history book production in Germany. The book Deutschlands Flora,1798–1862. 163 parts (in 136 volumes) contains very neat and attractive little engravings, no more than 5 in. by 3½ inches in size. Sturm deliberately chose this minute format in order to make a wide base of knowledge of the German flora available by pictures to as many people as possible and as cheaply as possible. Despite their smallness, they carry a surprising amount of exquisite detail. Jacob Sturm learnt his art from his father, Johann Georg Sturm, who was also a Nuremberg engraver. PROVENANCE: A Kiawah Island Private Collection, Purchased in Germany. Image 3x4.5. In Frame 10.25x11.25x.75. 1 pd 4 oz