La Moutarde ou le Seneve - Regnault 1774-80

📜 Description
Original botanical engraving by Nicolas François Regnault, produced between 1774 and 1780 for the scientific publication “La Botanique(...)”, published in Paris by Didot le Jeune. The plate illustrates black mustard through a precise analytical composition centered on the complete flowering plant, accompanied by isolated botanical details including seed pods, flowers, seeds, and root structure intended for scientific observation and classification. The vertical arrangement of the specimen against a neutral background reflects the didactic and encyclopedic approach typical of eighteenth-century botanical illustration, designed to facilitate accurate identification of medicinal and cultivated species. The lower inscription “La Moutarde ou le Senevé – Sinapis Nigra – Mostarda – Mustard – Senf” presents the Latin denomination together with Italian, English, and German vernacular names, emphasizing the educational and international character of the work. This antique print retains documentary and collectible interest for the quality of the etching, the clarity of its botanical rendering, and its association with Enlightenment-era French scientific publishing.

📚 Historical-Artistic Note
Nicolas François Regnault contributed to the dissemination of botanical knowledge during the late eighteenth century through engraved plates combining scientific precision with visual clarity. The illustrations prepared for “La Botanique(...)” reflect the growing Enlightenment interest in classification and natural history. Geneviève De Nangis-Regnault worked as designer and engraver for the series, while Didot le Jeune, among the most influential Parisian publishers of the period, specialized in finely produced illustrated scientific and educational works distinguished by high-quality engraving and typography.

🧾 Technical Sheet
Type: original botanical plate
Author / Manufacture: Nicolas François Regnault
Designer / Engraver: Geneviève De Nangis-Regnault
Publisher / Printer: Didot le Jeune, Paris
Place: Paris
Period: 1774-1780
Material: paper
Technique: etching
Subject / Title: “La Moutarde ou le Senevé – Sinapis Nigra – Mostarda – Mustard – Senf”
Edition / Print Run: from “La Botanique(...)”
Dimensions: sheet 35.5 x 49.5 cm; engraving 26 x 38.5 cm
Marks / Signatures / Inscriptions: multilingual botanical inscription in the lower margin identifying the species in Latin, Italian, English, and German

🔍 Condition Report
Sheet in excellent overall condition, with a well-preserved impression and clear engraved details throughout the botanical composition. Minor signs of age consistent with the period. Blank verso.