How to Sell Botanical Art with Sotheby's

Frequently Asked Questions

• Why are antique botanical and entomological engravings valuable?

  Rare collections, such as Trew’s Hortus Nitidissimis, feature plates with finely applied gouache that makes the images appear opaque as watercolour paintings, rather than as engraved or etched plates. This is especially the case for the tulips depicted in Hortus Nitidissimis, which appear like the great studies on vellum that were executed by botanical artists during the golden age of tulipomania in the 17th century. The highly stylized plates represent a break of the scientific accuracy of the time. The artists ignored anatomical detail and concentrated on representing the most beautiful flowering plants at the height of their fluorescent luxury.
• What types of Science and Natural History works are in demand?

  Sotheby’s recent sales offered important works of natural history, colour-plate books, topographical photographs and maps. Highlights included a beautifully stunning hand-coloured copy of Jacquin’s botanical work Plantarum rariorum; a fine hand-coloured engraving of a “Bird of Washington” by John James Audubon; a collection of illustrations of ducks with 98 original watercolours by Edward Lear and other artists; a splendid hand-coloured copy of John Gould and Richard Sharpe’s “Monograph of the Trochilidae, or Family of Humming Birds”; and a rare complete copy of the German naturalist Blasius Merrem’s ornithological work “Beyträge zur besondern Geschichte der Vögel.”
• How does Sotheby's determine the value of my engraving?

  Sotheby's specialists have decades of experience in evaluating antique engravings by celebrated artists and botanists. Even without a signature, Sotheby's specialists can sometimes attribute antique illustrations to renowned artists. Simply submit clear photographs of the front and back of your drawing, print, illustration or engraving and our specialists will carefully review the item and determine its value. Specialists consider the age, rarity, history of ownership, condition, maker and other factors.
• Can I sell my antique botanical print online if I consign with Sotheby's?

  Yes, indeed. Sotheby’s Books and Manuscripts department invites participation in our online timed auctions. Past online selections have included hand-coloured flower, bird and insect illustrations from distinguished private collections. When you submit your Science and Natural History art for review by our specialists, they will consider it for sale in both online and live auctions.