November, from the Twelve Months of Flowers
Hand-colored engraving on paper • Robert Furber (Publisher), Peter Casteels III (Designer), and Henry Fletcher (Engraver)
Style & Movement
English Baroque / Early Georgian Botanical Art
Medium & Technique
Etching and engraving with hand-applied watercolor or gouache washes
Creation Period
Circa 1730 (Initial publication date)
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 16 x 12 inches (Standard folio size); Portrait format
Subject Description
A complex botanical arrangement representing the month of November, featuring seasonal flowers such as Anemones, Chrysanthemums, and Asters arranged in a classical urn adorned with a character figure (likely a satyr or river god). A numbered key at the bottom identifies each flower specimen for horticultural study.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good (Based on visible crop); shows typical age-related toning of paper and minor softening of details common in later restrikes or heavily displayed prints.
Estimated Market Value
$500 - $1,500 (Depending on if it is an original 1730 edition versus a later restrike)
Auction Estimate
$300 - $800
Provenance History
Originally produced for Robert Furber's nursery catalog in London, 1730; likely from a subsequent 18th-century edition or a high-quality 20th-century facsimile series.
Art Historical Significance
This series is one of the most famous botanical publications in history, representing a bridge between commercial nursery marketing and high art. It influenced the 'Language of Flowers' and decorative motifs in porcelain and textiles throughout the 18th century.
Notable Features
Distinctive ornamental cartouche at the bottom left containing the month name 'NOVEMBER' and an extensive numbered botanical index in copperplate script.
Condition Issues
Potential light foxing, paper acidification (browning), and fading of hand-applied pigments due to UV exposure.
Conservation Recommendations
Mount using acid-free archival materials; use UV-protective museum glass; maintain a stable humidity environment (45-55%) to prevent cockling.