About the Artist
Davis, Sacker & Perkins was a nineteenth-century printing and publishing firm recognized for its refined commercial illustrations and richly colored decorative plates. Operating during the rise of chromolithography, the firm played a key role in making botanical imagery widely accessible through collectible cards and promotional materials.
This 1870 coffee plant print reflects a moment when scientific interest and commercial appeal merged, offering a glimpse into the era’s fascination with exotic crops and their journey from plantation to cup.
The Artwork
Coffea arabica became emblematic of nineteenth-century global trade and the burgeoning café culture. Prints like this were often distributed as advertising ephemera, connecting consumers to the origins of their daily beverage and highlighting the plant’s significance in commerce and society.
By depicting both blossoms and fruit, the artwork narrates the coffee plant’s full lifecycle, underscoring themes of cultivation and seasonality. For further exploration, see our vintage advertising wall art and browse our our selection of heritage prints.
Style & Characteristics
The print is composed in the tradition of scientific botanical illustration: a central branch of Coffea arabica is carefully arranged to display leaves, white flowers, and clusters of red berries at various stages of ripeness. Fine linework and subtle shading define the forms, while a palette of deep greens, creamy whites, and warm reds creates a natural, archival feel.
The restrained use of color and precision in detail evoke a sense of clarity and warmth, making this botanical print both informative and visually inviting.
In Interior Design
This coffee plant print brings a touch of botanical history to kitchens, breakfast nooks, and dining spaces, especially when paired with natural materials like wood and linen. It also enhances a home office or reading corner, offering a calm, studious atmosphere with a nod to daily rituals.
For a cohesive look, pair it with other botanical prints or curate a food and drink themed gallery wall from the kitchen collection. Its classic palette complements interiors ranging from traditional to modern eclectic, harmonizing beautifully with green, red, and warm neutral tones.
