Brendel Larkspur model, c. 1880
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A 19th century botanical model of the Larkspur, or Delphinium, by Brendel of the 1880’s. The model depicts the spurred sepal and the spurred corolla enlarged twelve times, which are removable. Arising from a black ebonized wooden stand with original blue label the flower model rests on a green curled stem, which is decorated with two green leaves. The flower model is made of paper mâché which is polychrome painted in blue and white tones.
The blue label states the names of the Delphinium in Latin, English and German and a small label states that this model was once retailed by Lehrmittel Institut Wilh(elm) Schlüter Of Halle an der Saale. Wilhelm Schlüter (1828 – 25 April 1919), one of the founders, was a German natural history dealer. He sold many important bird and insect collections to museums and private collections. Schluter got two animals named in his honor: a subspecies of lizard, Ophisops elegans schlueteri, is named in his honor and an African ant Polyrhachis schlueteri is also named for him.[2]
In 1866 Robert Brendel (ca. 1821-1898) from Breslau started the production the flower models. He was succeeded by his son Reinhold Brendel (ca. 1861-1927). In 1866, there were thirty models to choose from, and by 1913, there were nearly 300. Using the papier-mâché base, other additional materials, including glass, gelatin and feathers were added to illustrate particular features. The models were developed in consultation with leading professors in botany. They are made of various materials, such as papier-mâché, wood, metal wire, and glass beads. These models are the result of scientists and craftspeople collaborating to produce beautiful working tools for the communication of science.
Height: 43 cm.
