Collection of 4 large antique French Herbariums

A gorgeous set of four French herbarium panels, each presenting a pressed botanical specimen on softly toned cream paper with printed Herbier labels and handwritten notations, newly mounted behind glass in simple light wood frames. The sheets show natural sepia and olive hues from dried stems, fronds, and blossoms, with elegant negative space enhancing the silhouettes. Likely late 19th to early 20th century, France. Condition is very good overall, the papers pleasantly timeworn with light foxing and a few faint ripples, and minor fragment losses to delicate petals and fronds consistent with age; the contemporary glazing and frames are clean and secure.

These studies follow the long French tradition of the herbier, a scientific and decorative practice that flourished from the Enlightenment through the Third Republic. Collected in the field, specimens were dried in presse botanique and fixed with gum or thread, then catalogued on labeled sheets noting family, species, locality, and date for use in teaching and classification. The restrained arrangement and crisp étiquettes reflect the period’s naturalist aesthetics and the meticulous savoir-faire of provincial lycées and university collections across France.

Hung as a vertical pair over a console, arranged salon-style in a study, or gridded in a hallway, the quartet adds quiet graphic rhythm and botanical poetry. Their neutral palette works with Gustavian, country French, or clean contemporary interiors, layering texture over limewash, linen, or paneling. They sit beautifully above a writing desk or alongside baskets and stoneware, bringing an authentic natural history note to any room.

Approx. overall 19" high x 12½" wide x ½" deep 
Approx. overall 48cm high x 32cm wide x 1cm deep