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Identification

Ferdinand Troupeau 'Iris' Chromolithograph Plate, Dekorative Vorbilder Vol. XII

Photo reference

5 uploaded photos

Overview

The print features explicit printed text identifying the subject ('Iris'), the source publication ('Dekorative Vorbilder XII'), the publisher ('Verlag von Jul.

Story

Published in 1901 by Julius Hoffmann in Stuttgart, Germany, 'Dekorative Vorbilder' was a highly influential periodical portfolio of ornamental designs intended for architects, painters, and designers. This specific plate reproduces a watercolor by Ferdinand Troupeau, lithographed by the renowned firm E. Hochdanz, capturing the essence of the German Jugendstil movement.

Maker / Origin

Julius Hoffmann (Publisher) / Ferdinand Troupeau (Artist) / E. Hochdanz (Lithographer)

Condition & Value

The visible image area appears well-preserved, with the characteristic olive-grey border intact and the chromolithographic colors remaining vibrant. Value in antique lithographs is highly sensitive to margin condition; pending confirmation of the reverse side and exact measurements, the print presents as a strong, display-ready example. Any hidden foxing, mounting tape residue on the verso, or trimmed edges would push the value toward the lower end of the range. Appears to be in very good antique condition with light, natural age toning along the outer margins.

Full Research

See what it's actually worth.

Sold comps, value drivers, and venue guidance pulled from recent auction results.

Market Analysis

The market for individual plates from turn-of-the-century design folios like 'Dekorative Vorbilder' is driven largely by interior decorators and collectors of Art Nouveau (Jugendstil) ephemera. Botanical and floral motifs are among the most consistently popular subjects, typically trading briskly in the $50 to $90 range on retail platforms like Etsy and specialized print shops. While premium galleries occasionally ask over $150, actual realized sales for single, unframed plates usually cluster in the mid-double digits.

Value Drivers

▲ Explicit printed attribution to Julius Hoffmann, Ferdinand Troupeau, and E. Hochdanz confirms authenticity and exact 1901 era.

▲ Botanical 'Iris' subject matter is highly desirable in the current antique print and interior decor market.

▲ Strong chromolithographic color preservation supports premium retail decor pricing.

Concerns

▼ Unverified reverse side — hidden mounting tape residue or foxing could reduce value.

▼ Unverified exact dimensions — trimmed margins would severely impact collector value.

Best Venue

List on a retail platform like Etsy or eBay with a fixed price of $75-$85, targeting the interior decor and botanical print market. Ensure the print is shipped flat with archival backing. Providing exact dimensions and a clear photo of the blank verso in the listing will help justify the upper-end asking price and reassure buyers of its condition.

Upside Potential

If the print is confirmed to be fully untrimmed with pristine margins and a completely clean verso, it could command the higher $90-$110 retail tier seen for premium decorative motifs from this specific publication.

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Also found — market-range context

Related comps outside the valuation band· 6 comps

Surfaced during research but not used to anchor the valuation — wrong form, species, era, or no published price. Shown so the market range around this item is visible.

  • Storm Mountain Books
    Dekorative Vorbilder: Farbige Meisterwerke aus alter und neuer Zeit - Jahrgang XXIX
    Entire volume/yearbook; subject is a single plate.
    $600
  • AbeBooks
    Dekorative Vorbilder: Farbige Meisterwerke aus alter und neuer Zeit (Jahrgangs...
    Entire volume/book; subject is a single plate.
    $600
  • eBay
    DEKORATIVE VORBILDER BAND 15 by Julius Hoffmann ART NOUVEAU 110 GERMAN PLATES
    Entire volume containing 110 plates; subject is a single plate.
    $378
  • Quinn's Auction Galleries· 2022-12-20
    7 PAGES FROM DEKORATIVE VORBILDER. C.1890.
    Lot of 7 pages; subject is a single plate.
    $200
  • Bonhams· 2004-04-26
    DEKORATIVE VORBILDER. Volume 29 only, 75 only [of 80] decorative plates, original portfolio, folio, Stuttgart, n.d..
    Portfolio containing 75 plates; subject is a single plate.
    $150
  • Trafford Books Auction· 2017-03-08
    Dekorative Vorbilder, Julius Hoffmann, 1899, a selection of 51...
    Selection of 51 plates; subject is a single plate.
    $30