Antique Hawthorn Botanical Print | Crataegus monogyna | F. Edward Hulme

This antique botanical print depicts Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna), one of the most familiar trees of the British countryside, and is taken from Familiar Wild Flowers, the celebrated natural history publication by Reverend F. Edward Hulme. Dating to the late Victorian or early Edwardian period, this period print is approximately 120–135 years old and represents a fine example of Victorian botanical illustration and colour printing.

Hawthorn is recognised for its abundant clusters of white spring blossoms, deeply lobed leaves and bright red berries that develop later in the year. Also known as the May Tree, it has long been associated with the changing seasons and occupies an important place in British folklore and rural traditions. Its flowering has traditionally been regarded as a familiar sign of the arrival of spring.

The illustration reflects the Victorian enthusiasm for carefully observing, identifying and documenting the natural world. Hulme's botanical work presents familiar plants with considerable attention to their structure and distinguishing characteristics, while the use of colour gives the illustrations an additional decorative quality.

Familiar Wild Flowers belongs to an important period in the history of botanical publishing, when advances in colour printing made detailed natural-history illustrations accessible to a much wider audience. Publications such as this brought the study of Britain's native flora into homes and libraries, occupying a space between scientific illustration, natural history and decorative art.

Sourced from Delhi, this antique botanical print is presented unframed but professionally mounted, making it ready for display or for framing according to the collector's preference. Its age, botanical detail and association with one of Britain's most recognisable native trees make it particularly suited to collections of antique botanical prints, Victorian art, natural history and vintage decorative works.

More than a century after its publication, this Hawthorn illustration remains a beautiful record of Britain's native flora and of the Victorian tradition of documenting the natural world through carefully observed botanical art.

Details

Subject: Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Illustrator / Author: Reverend F. Edward Hulme
Publication: Familiar Wild Flowers
Period: Late Victorian / Early Edwardian
Age: Approximately 120–135 years
Medium: Antique botanical print
Origin: Sourced from Delhi
Tradition: Victorian botanical illustration and natural history publishing
Mount: Professionally mounted; unframed
Dimensions including mount: H 10 × L 7 in
Condition: Antique condition with age-related characteristics. Please refer to the photographs, which form an integral part of the description.
Authenticity: Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.