Tableaux Coloriés de Plantes Potagères [cover title]

Paris: Vilmorin-Andrieux & Cie [Lithographed by J. Minot & Cie.], 1890. Small folio. (14 1/8 x 11 inches). 16 chromolithographed plates. Issued without title or text. Publisher's brown cloth, covers with decoration in black, upper cover lettered in black.

A rare illustrated vegetable seed catalogue issued by Vilmorin, the best known Parisian seedsman.

Founded in 1743 by the visionary Pierre Philippe André de Vilmorin, the company's early days were marked by the quiet rhythm of grains and seeds changing hands. However, it was during the 19th century that the Vilmorin family, in collaboration with the enterprising Alexis N. André, embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine the world of seeds. Guided by a profound appreciation for nature's kaleidoscope, they wove an intricate tapestry of innovation, embracing the delicate art of plant breeding and seed production. As the years unfolded, their expertise flourished, giving birth to a rich array of vegetable, flower, and field crop varieties. A testament to their botanical prowess, the present work is one of many Vilmorin & Cie's meticulously curated seed catalogues which became veritable compendiums of possibility, inviting farmers and gardeners into a world brimming with horticultural marvels. Each turn of the page revealed a vibrant symphony of colours and flavors, a testament to the legacy of these visionary pioneers whose dedication to the art of cultivation continues to bear fruit in the seeds they offer today. The present catalogue is chromolithographed throughout with mulitiple images per page, and includes varieties of Swiss chard, eggplant, carrot, lettuce, cauliflower, squash, leek, turnip, onion, pepper, peas, radish, tomato and celery.