Codie Lyons
Associate Specialist
Lot 171
THREE GERMAN PAPIER-MÂCHÉ DIDACTIC BOTANICAL MODELSLate 19th century
31 March – 9 April 2025, 12:00 PDT
Online, Los AngelesSold for US$12,800 inc. premium
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Anna Hicks
Head of Department
Cassandra D'Cruz
Specialist, Head of Sale
THREE GERMAN PAPIER-MÂCHÉ DIDACTIC BOTANICAL MODELS
Late 19th century
Including a Malvaceae (hibiscus) example and a Asperula (woodruff) example, on ebonized wood stands.
height of tallest 20in
Including a Malvaceae (hibiscus) example and a Asperula (woodruff) example, on ebonized wood stands.
height of tallest 20in
Footnotes
Before the aide of cameras and other scientific instruments, botanical didactic models were produced to assist teaching biology lessons from the late 1800's until the 1920's. The models were created from a variety of materials including papier mâché, wood, cotton, bamboo, glass beads, and gelatin and were made perfectly to scale. Some of the models are also cross-sectioned for a detailed view of the internal structures of the plant, while others model the full stem and flower.
While a variety of companies produced these didactic models, the most famous were father and son team Robert and Reinhold Brendel, who had workshops in Breslau and Berlin. They would mass produce these models for colleges, universities, and scientists, and were even acquired by burgeoing trade and museum collections, including Florence dealer Alberto Dall'Eco. A number of similar specimens are still extant in the Department of Biology at the University of Florence and University of Aberdeen Zoology Museum.
While these models were primarily produced for study, the exquisite forms, colors, and materials of these teaching tools have become lovely and curious décor for the modern home.
Condition reports are not provided in catalog descriptions. The absence of a condition report does not guarantee that the lot is in good condition or free from damage and wear. We encourage you to request a condition report and/or additional photos prior to bidding on any lot.