Franz Strömberg - Raro "Herbarium Amatorium Vernum" ad R.G. - 4 Tavole Botaniche Originali Franz Strömberg 1897 (1) + - 1897-1898

DESCRIPTION:

Spring herbarium with original contemporaneous handwritten label on outer frame: "HERBARIUM AMATORIUM VERNUM ad R.G." with two small pen floral drawings (see Photo 1, shows losses, yellowing and tears consistent with age).

Botanical composition, left-to-right sequence:

1. Papaver dubium (Long-headed Poppy) - 1898 - original handwritten label: Name, Klass 13, Nat. fam. 22 Papaveraceae, Växtställe, Leg. Fr. Strömberg. Complete with root system.
2. Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone) - 1898 - original handwritten label.
3. Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) - 1898 - original handwritten label.
4. Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss) - 1897 - ONLY 1897 sheet - blue-violet flowers still well preserved, original handwritten label.

Each specimen is fixed with original paper herbarium straps.

Support: Four-panel wooden frame with four hinged panels that fold like a table screen, made from reclaimed wood. Antique wrought-iron hinges handcrafted (see Photo 2: nails different, wood cracked). Fastening of boards with triangular photo-corners (1920s-1930s type), which confirms later mounting for display, converting the herbarium into a Wunderkammer object.

Condition: Paper with uniform brown patina and light foxing attesting centennial authenticity. Original colors well preserved, in particular the blue of Echium 1897. Solid wooden structure with wear and patina.

Dimensions: Open W 66 cm x H 48 cm x D 2.5 cm / Closed H 48 cm x W 33 cm x D 6.5 cm

Shipping: Custom professional packaging, tracked and insured.
CURIOSITY: it almost looks like a secret message - Floriography:*
In the 1890s in Sweden, Floriography (the secret language of Victorian flowers) was very fashionable. This precise combination reads as an intentional love letter:

- Papaver dubium = "Your love is doubtful"
- Echium vulgare (viper’s tongue) = "Falsehood"
- Anemone nemorosa = "Abandonment / I have lost you"
- Viola = "Faithfulness / I still think of you"

This is not just an herbarium; it is a message in floral code (Le Langage des Fleurs, Charlotte de Latour, 1819 - the dictionary used across Europe in 1897).

DESCRIPTION (English section):

DESCRIPTION:

Spring herbarium with original contemporary handwritten label on outer frame: "HERBARIUM AMATORIUM VERNUM ad R.G." with two small pen floral drawings (see Photo 1, with losses).

Botanical composition (left to right):

1. Papaver dubium (Long-headed Poppy) - 1898
2. Anemone nemorosa (Wood Anemone) - 1898
3. Viola odorata (Sweet Violet) - 1898
4. Echium vulgare (Viper’s Bugloss) - 1897 - ONLY 1897 sheet - blue-violet flowers still well preserved

Each specimen complete with aerial part and well-preserved root system, fixed with original paper strips.

Support: Four-panel folding table screen in reclaimed wood. Antique wrought-iron hinges hand-mounted (see Photo 2). Sheets fixed with triangular photo corners (1920s-1930s type), confirming later mounting for display.

Condition: Paper with brownish patina and light foxing. Original colours well preserved, especially blue of Echium 1897. Solid wood structure with wear.

Dimensions: Open W 66 x H 48 x D 2.5 cm / Closed H 48 x W 33 x D 6.5 cm

Shipping: Custom professional packaging, tracked and insured.

CURIOUS FACT: it almost looks like a secret message - Floriography:
In the 1890s in Sweden, Floriography (the secret language of flowers) was very fashionable. This precise combination reads as an intentional love letter:

- Papaver dubium = "Your love is doubtful"
- Echium vulgare (viper’s tongue) = "Falsehood"
- Anemone nemorosa = "Abandonment / I have lost you"
- Viola = "Faithfulness / I still think of you" (Le Langage des Fleurs, Charlotte de Latour, 1819 - the dictionary used across Europe in 1897).