Twelve Months of Flowers: November
Hand-colored botanical engraving on paper • Robert Furber (nurseryman and publisher), Pieter Casteels (original paintings), and Henry Fletcher (engraver).
Style & Movement
English Baroque / Early Georgian Botanical Illustration
Medium & Technique
Copperplate engraving with professional period hand-coloring in watercolor and gouache over laid paper.
Creation Period
Circa 1730-1732
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 18 x 14 inches (45 x 35 cm); Vertical Portrait format.
Subject Description
A botanical arrangement identifying flowers available in November. The print includes a key with common names (e.g., Pheasants Eye, Carolina Star) and a decorative cartouche featuring the month 'NOVEMBER' surrounded by a scalloped border and floral motifs. The text denotes 'From the collection of Robt. Furber Gardiner at Kensington, 1730.'
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The paper shows age-appropriate toning (patina) and minor foxing typical for 18th-century laid paper.
Estimated Market Value
$1,500 - $3,000 USD (for a genuine period engraving in good color)
Auction Estimate
$1,200 - $2,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely originally part of a 'Twelve Months of Flowers' folio or subscription series for the Kensington nursery. The inscription indicates the source of the collection in 1730.
Art Historical Significance
This set is arguably the most famous botanical series of the 18th century. It transitioned botanical art from purely scientific classification to decorative luxury goods, serving both as a sales catalog for Furber’s nursery and a high-status interior decoration.
Notable Features
Features the distinctive 1730 Kensington inscription. The cartouche design is characteristic of Henry Fletcher's engraving style for this specific series.
Condition Issues
Visible browning of paper (oxidation), possible minor mat burn along edges, and light surface soiling. Minor ink fading in the smaller script text.
Conservation Recommendations
Use of UV-protective glass, acid-free museum-grade mounting, and climate-controlled environment to prevent further paper degradation or watercolor fading.