Discover the world of vintage botanical illustration and nature’s wisdom.

Beyond botanical art

Botany Prints is a new and growing site for vintage botanical illustration, including collections of public domain scientific images and decorative art. But that’s not all! We explore the fascinating symbolism of plants and fungi in our cultures. We also learn from nature how to enhance resilience and well-being. Last but not least, we offer botany inspired design ideas – from tattoo to home decor.

Stay with us to uncover the beauty of botanical images and get inspired to build a life of strength and inner peace!

“The earth laughs in flowers.”

– Ralph Waldo Emerson

Vintage illustration

  • Explore detailed scientific images, documenting plant and fungal life throughout history. Our vintage illustrations are categorized into flowers, fruits, vegetables, trees, herbs & spices, cacti & succulents, aquatic plants, and mushrooms.
  • We celebrate the amazing artists who made these illustrations, like Maria Sibylla Merian , Ernst Haeckel or Hans E. Walty. Their hard work and innovative techniques helped us learn more about the natural world.
  • We also look into the creative interpretations of botanical forms in different periods and cultures. Think of the flowing and elegant designs of Art Nouveau, the peaceful nature scenes of East Asia, and the intricate plant patterns of Islamic art!

Most of our illustrations date back to the 17th, 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, fall within the public domain, and are free to use for your creative projects.

“May your life be like a wildflower, growing freely in the beauty and joy of each day.”

– Native American Proverb

Symbolism of Plants and Fungi in Culture

  • Plants and fungi often embody core values and religious concepts. The lotus flower symbolizes enlightenment in Buddhism, while the oak tree represents strength and longevity in many European cultures.
  • They also embody our hopes and anxieties. The rose, with its beauty and thorns, represents love and its potential dangers. Mushrooms, often shrouded in mystery, can symbolize both good luck and the unknown.
  • Plants have served as a rich source of inspiration for poets and storytellers. The delicate cherry blossom in Japanese haiku evokes the fleeting nature of life, while the poisonous nightshade in Shakespeare’s plays adds a layer of dramatic tension.

Plant symbolism goes beyond secret codes. It’s a conversation between us and nature, shaping how we see the world and ourselves.

“To plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow.”

– Audrey Hepburn

Learning resilience from nature

Just like a garden, life has its seasons of growth, challenges, and rebirth. At Botany Prints, we believe the natural world holds valuable lessons for navigating our daily struggles.

Imagine a thriving ecosystem – it experiences periods of flourishing development, encounters hardships, and undergoes necessary transitions. Similar to these cycles, we too face obstacles and periods of renewal. Botany Prints sees plants as teachers, offering us resilience and adaptation strategies embedded in nature.

By exploring how plants and fungi overcome environmental obstacles – limited resources, harsh weather, and even predators – we can find parallels to our own experiences. But it’s more than just observation. We encourage you to actively apply these natural principles to cultivate your own resilience and well-being.

“The best time to plant a tree was twenty years ago. The second best time is now.”

– Chinese Proverb

Botanical Design: Tattoo and Home Decor Ideas

Get ideas for enduring designs that incorporate botanical patterns!

Love nature? Botanical tattoo designs let you wear your passion with pride. Choose from a variety of symbols to express your story and values, all brought to life with stunning detail and vibrant colors.

Want to bring harmony and tranquility to your living space.? We’ve got you covered! From vintage botanical illustrations on wall art to delicate floral patterns on home decor, we offer ideas how to create a peaceful, nature-inspired haven.

Coming Soon: our exciting new collection of home decor, inspired by the beauty and symbolism of botanical art!

blue and white floral logo

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“If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.”

– Marcus Tullius Cicero

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