Linden, Jean-Jules

Volume I (all published) in 12 original parts, unbound as issued (text: 20 x 13 1/2 in.; 508 x 343 mm. Plates 18 1/8 x 13 1/8 in.; 602 x 332 mm). Illustration: 48 handcolored lithographed plates by F. Detollenaere after Detollenaere and Maubert. Binding: 12 printed thin-card wrappers. Modern buckram clamshell case, printed spine label. Provenance: Hofbibliothek Donaueschigan (inked stamp on front covers of wrappers and a few leaves of text).

Eriopsis Biloba plate browned, 3 plates lightly tanned. Wrappers with slight wear to edges.

Great Flower Books, p. 113; Nissen 1196; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 4622

Eriopsis Biloba plate browned, 3 plates lightly tanned. Wrappers with slight wear to edges.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

First edition in original parts of this important large-format work on a wide-ranging selection of the most beautiful orchids then in cultivation, originating from all the tropical regions of the world. Very rare in parts.

Although the work was a collaborative effort between Linden, G. Lüddemann. J. E. Planchon, and M. G. Reichenbach, the editorial control remained with Linden. A native of Luxembourg, Linden moved to Belgium in his youth and during his working life was responsible for the importation of over 1,100 different orchid species. He was "An orchid hunter par excellence … [and] was the first to search the mountain regions diligently for his orchids. In so doing, he was able to obtain many cool-temperature plants for his sponsors in Belgium. After ten years in the Western Hemisphere, Linden returned to work in Brussels in 1845. With his son Lucien, he founded Horticulture Internationale, the first major commercial competitor of the British orchid house Messrs. Sander" (The Orchid Observed, no. 16).

The work is named in honor of J. P. Pescatore of St. Cloud, one of the earliest amateur orchid growers and a client of Linden's, who maintained "la plus riche collection d'Orchidées du continent" at his home, the Chateau de la Celle–St.–Cloud. According to Linden's preface, Pescatore's death and the subsequent withdrawal of financial support by his executors meant that the publication was unable to continue beyond the present 12 livraisons. This was apparently very much against Pescatore's intentions, but the unexpectedness of his death meant he had not had time to make clear his wishes to his heirs. This version of events is generally accepted; but it is interesting to note that the "Conditions de la souscription" printed on the lower cover of the wrappers announce that the book will be published in 12 monthly parts, each containing 4 plates, beginning on 1 June 1854 and forming a single "magnifique volume in-folio." No mention is made of any further volumes. The wrappers also demonstrate a shift in emphasis towards Linden. The title on the upper wrappers lists all the editors and gives them equal billing. By January 1860, when the title and preface were printed, Linden had claimed a more important position and Pescatore no longer appears on the title at all.