Flower Model of a Buttercup by R. & R. Brendel

Botanical model of a Buttercup (Ranunculus acer) by Robert and Reinhold Brendel.
Papier-mâché and wood.
Germany.
Before 1900.
h. 42 cm.

Papier-mâché botanical model of a Buttercup flower, or Ranunculus acer, designed by Robert and Reinhold Brendel at the end of the 19th century, to improve the teaching of flower anatomy during botany lessons at German faculties.

The oil, present in a thin layer beneath the Buttercup's epidermis, is the cause of its vivid golden colour ; it is this same material that contains protoanemonin, a toxic substance making the Buttercup a poison to Humans and livestock. This is why the Ranunculus acer model is mentioned in the catalogue 'Preisliste über Botanische Modelle... von R. Brendel' of 1900, at no. 57, in the 5th section intended for poisonous flowers.

Sources

Preisliste über Botanische Modelle gefertigt und herausgegeben von R. Brendel, Berlin, 1900.