Celebrate the dramatic color contrasts, exotic tropical beauty, and rich Victorian heritage of foliage art with this exceptional fine art poster. Originally published in 1870 by influential British horticulturalist Shirley Hibberd, drawn by artist Alexander Francis Lydon, and printed by master engraver Benjamin Fawcett, this striking botanical study showcases the magnificent leaf of the Alocasia Metallica (Alocasia plumbea / Alocasia cuprea).

Featuring a large, heart-shaped leaf with a deep metallic-green surface, delicate pale veining, and a dramatic curl along its left margin revealing a rich, crimson-pink underside, this meticulously restored print rests against an open, naturally aged cream backdrop. Finished with its authentic archival text “ALOCASIA METALLICA”, it offers a bold, sophisticated, and deeply historic focal point that seamlessly bridges classical 19th-century botanical illustration with modern biophilic wall decor.

The History: During the high Victorian era, an international obsession with exotic tropical foliage swept across Europe. While earlier botanical works focused almost exclusively on temporary floral blooms, Shirley Hibberd (1825–1890) championed the enduring structural beauty of ornamental leaf plants for glasshouses, conservatories, and interior decor in his landmark volume New and Rare Beautiful-Leaved Plants (1870). To create these exquisite illustrations, Hibberd collaborated with artist A. F. Lydon and printer Benjamin Fawcett (1808–1893), a pioneer of multi-block color printing. Fawcett meticulously carved individual wooden blocks for each ink shade, layering transparent tones to capture the velvety texture and metallic sheen of rare tropical Aroids. Today, Fawcett’s color woodblock prints are held in world-class museum archives as high-water marks in Victorian botanical art.

The Aesthetic: A masterclass in textural contrast, organic form, and graphic balance, this composition focuses intimately on the dramatic profile of a single tropical leaf. The upper blade features a rich, deep emerald and olive palette accented by light green primary veins, contrasted by the striking, satin-like magenta-crimson hue of the leaf’s underside where it gently curls outward. Grounded by a clean cream background and authentic plate typography reading “ALOCASIA METALLICA”, this high-contrast botanical print introduces an air of classical academic history, tropical luxury, and biophilic warmth to modern interiors.

It is an ideal statement piece for:

Houseplant enthusiasts, Aroid and Alocasia collectors, botanists, interior designers, Victorian history scholars, and admirers of antique botanical prints.
Sun-drenched living rooms, private libraries, quiet home offices, kitchens, dining alcoves, or as a bold focal point on a botanical gallery wall.
Biophilic, Japandi, modern farmhouse, Craftsman, or transitional interior design styles that value rich natural palettes paired with storied heritage art.

Product Details

Artist / Illustrators: Shirley Hibberd, A. F. Lydon & Benjamin Fawcett (British, 1808–1893)

Title: Alocasia Metallica (New and Rare Beautiful-Leaved Plants)

Subject: Antique Victorian Tropical Foliage & Alocasia Leaf Illustration

Original Year: c. 1870

Style: Victorian Botanical Art / Color Woodblock Print

Museum-Quality Vintage Prints

Our vintage posters are made to order using premium Giclée printing techniques. Every piece is printed on thick, heavyweight fine art paper (200gsm) with a smooth, completely matte finish.

We specifically source an acid-free, natural-toned paper that perfectly recreates the warmth and authentic character of original mid-century lithographs. Unlike standard glossy posters, our premium matte finish ensures there is zero glare when your artwork is framed behind glass, resulting in a rich, museum-quality display. Combined with long-lasting, UV-resistant pigment inks, your print is designed to remain vibrant for generations.