Title: Antique Mango Botanical Chromolithograph by Hoola van Nooten, c. 1880
Description: A magnificent original antique botanical chromolithograph depicting Mangifera indica L., the Mango Tree. Revered as the "King of Fruits" throughout much of Asia, the mango is among the world's oldest cultivated fruit trees and one of the most economically and culturally significant tropical species. Native to the Indian subcontinent, it spread throughout Southeast Asia centuries ago and became firmly established in Java, where Berthe Hoola van Nooten painted this specimen from life.
The composition illustrates two beautifully ripened mangoes suspended from an elegant leafy branch, accompanied by botanical studies of the seed and floral structure. The graceful simplicity of the composition, combined with the warm golden fruit and lush evergreen foliage, makes this one of the most refined and decorative fruit plates from the celebrated publication.
The artwork was painted from life on the island of Java by the distinguished Dutch botanical artist Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892). It was published in her masterpiece, Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java, widely regarded as one of the finest nineteenth-century botanical publications devoted to the flora of the Dutch East Indies. Printed in rich chromolithography by P. De Pannemaeker of Ghent, this plate was issued in the third edition published in Brussels by Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt around 1880.
Today, the mango remains one of the world's most beloved tropical fruits, celebrated for its exceptional flavor and symbolic importance throughout Asia. This original antique print combines botanical significance with timeless decorative appeal and is among the strongest fruit subjects in the Hoola van Nooten series.
This is an original antique print, printed circa 1880, and not a modern reproduction or later copy.
Artist:
Berthe Hoola van Nooten (1817–1892)
Publication:
Fleurs, Fruits et Feuillages Choisis de l'Ile de Java
Publisher:
Librairie Européenne C. Muquardt, Brussels
Printer:
P. De Pannemaeker, Ghent
Date:
Circa 1880
Medium:
Original chromolithograph on wove paper.
Condition:
Good antique condition with age-related toning, occasional foxing and light handling wear consistent with age. Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form part of the description.
Please note that any framed images are for display inspiration only. The print is sold unframed. Framed mock-ups are not always shown to exact scale and are intended solely to illustrate how the artwork may look when displayed.
Keywords:
original antique print, original chromolithograph, botanical print, Mangifera indica, mango, mango tree, tropical fruit, king of fruits, exotic fruit, Indonesian botanical art, Java, Southeast Asian flora, Dutch East Indies, Berthe Hoola van Nooten, Victorian botanical illustration, nineteenth century botanical print, antique botanical wall art, natural history print, scientific illustration, P. De Pannemaeker, Muquardt Brussels, museum quality botanical art, rare botanical print, collectible botanical print, circa 1880
The mango is one of the most recognizable tropical fruits in the world. Combined with the elegant composition and the enduring popularity of Berthe Hoola van Nooten's botanical works, this plate deserves placement in the premium tier of the series alongside Cashew, Cacao, Buddha's Hand Citron, and Durian.