Hyoscyamus niger ‘Henbane’ Framed Vintage Floral Botanical Print

Presenting an original vintage botanical print by Elsa M. Felsko, renowned for lifelike depictions of flowers and plants, capturing the intricate beauty of nature with remarkable precision. Each print is professionally framed in an elegant gold frame and floated on a lush green mat.

Print size: 9.5 x 6.5 in (24 x 16.5 cm)

Frame size: 18 x 15 in (45 x 38 cm)

Hyoscyamus niger, commonly known as henbane, is a plant from the nightshade family, Solanaceae, native to temperate Europe and Siberia, and naturalized in Great Britain and Ireland. It has a rich historical background, with various uses ranging from medicinal to ritualistic and even recreational.

Henbane’s allure extends beyond its historical significance and pharmacological properties to the captivating beauty of its flowers. With delicate trumpet-shaped blooms, often in shades of yellow, purple, or white, henbane adds an enchanting touch to its surroundings. The intricate patterns and subtle gradients of color within the petals draw the eye, while its elegant form lends a sense of grace to gardens or wild landscapes. Despite its toxicity, there’s an undeniable allure in the ethereal beauty of the henbane flower, a reminder of nature’s ability to intertwine danger with breathtaking aesthetics.

Henbane has a long history of use in traditional medicine, despite its extreme toxicity. It has been used as a sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic agent. In ancient times, it was used as a hallucinogen and in rituals associated with witchcraft and divination. However, its use in modern medicine is extremely limited due to its toxicity and the availability of safer alternatives.

Henbane has been mentioned in various historical and literary texts throughout the ages. It is believed to have been used by the ancient Greeks and Romans for its psychoactive effects. In medieval Europe, it was associated with witchcraft and was used in potions and spells. In literature, henbane has been referenced in works by Shakespeare and other authors.

Felsko’s dedication to both artistic excellence and scientific accuracy makes her work coveted by botanical enthusiasts, interior decorators, or anyone seeking to infuse their space with the beauty of nature. Each print measures approximately 24 x 16.5 cm (9.5 x 6.5 in), and is framed with generous matting adding depth and dimension to the artwork. with an overall frame size of 18 x 15 inches (approximately 45 x 38 cm.)

Elsa Maria Felsko-Schülke (1908 Berlin – 1987 Berlin) was a famed German flower painter and botanist. She studied graphics and design at the Textile School in Berlin, and studied botanical illustration at the University of Göttingen under the botanist Robert Pilger. She initially worked as a botanical illustrator at the University of Göttingen and later for Robert Pilger at the Botanical Museum in Berlin-Dahlem.

This is an original vintage print, not a copy or reproduction. Please note all sales are final!