Dens Canis Appraisal

Botanical Illustration of Dog's Tooth Violet (Erythronium dens-canis)

This item is a framed botanical illustration depicting a Dog's Tooth Violet, scientifically known as Erythronium dens-canis. The illustration is presented vertically, showcasing the entire plant from its underground bulbous root system to its delicate flower. The predominant colors in the illustration are shades of green for the broad, mottled leaves, a reddish-brown for the stem, a pale pink to almost white for the petals of the downward-facing flower, and a dark blue or purplish-black for the prominent anthers within the bloom. The root system features an elongated, tapered brown bulb resembling a dog's tooth, from which numerous fine, off-white rootlets extend. The artwork is enclosed within a white matted frame with a thin, pale purple inner border, adding a subtle decorative touch. The outer frame appears to be a light-colored wood or composite material, possibly cream or very light beige, with a simple, clean profile. The illustration itself shows some light discoloration or foxing consistent with age, particularly visible in the lighter background areas, suggesting it could be an antique or vintage print. There are no obvious tears or significant damage visible to the artwork, although reflections on the glass make it difficult to assess the exact condition of the paper. A faint line of text is visible at the bottom of the illustration, likely containing the botanical name and possibly publication or artist details, but it is too indistinct to read precisely. The overall aesthetic suggests an 18th or 19th-century style of botanical rendering, characterized by scientific accuracy coupled with artistic elegance. The quality of line work and color application appears refined, indicative of a professional botanical artist or engraver.