Artwork
Chalice Vine

Chalice Vine is a print by the Romanticist artist Maria Catharina Prestel. It dates from 1790 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Next, look up Maria Catharina Prestel (German, 1747–1794) to see more of her work.
This drawing shows a plant with big, waxy leaves and two unusual flowers. One flower is a pale, shell-like shape, while the other is a pale, rounded bud. The leaves are dark green and glossy, and the stems are thin and branching.
The artist focused on the plant’s details, making the textures look almost real. This was made in 1790 by Maria Catharina Prestel, a woman artist.
Next, look up Maria Catharina Prestel (German, 1747–1794) to see more of her work.
Overview
Chalice Vine is an engraving created in 1790 by Maria Catharina Prestel, a German artist from Nuremberg who later worked in London. The piece is now part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving depicts a specific plant species characterized by large, dark green, glossy leaves and two distinct flower forms: a pale, shell-like bloom and a pale, rounded bud. The artwork emphasizes meticulous botanical detail, showcasing Prestel's attention to texture and naturalistic representation.
Technique & Style
Chalice Vine exemplifies Prestel's proficiency in reproductive printmaking, a specialty of hers during the late 18th century. The engraving achieves a high level of realism, particularly in its rendering of the plant's textures, suggesting a focus on accuracy and naturalism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1790, the engraving is attributed to Maria Catharina Prestel, with its current location being The Cleveland Museum of Art. Prestel's career spanned from Nuremberg to London, reflecting her mobility as a female artist in the late 18th century.
Context
Prestel's work, including Chalice Vine, contributes to the broader context of late 18th-century European botanical art and the rare presence of female artists in the reproductive printmaking field during that time.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of Chalice Vine on subsequent art movements are not prominently documented, the piece remains notable as part of Prestel's oeuvre, highlighting her skill and the contributions of women to 18th-century European art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maria Katharina Prestel (22 July 1747 – 16 March 1794) née Maria Katharina Höll, was an engraver and painter from Nuremberg, and active in London.



















