Botanical model

Model of Quercus robur (Common Oak) made by Robert and Reinhold Brendel, Berlin, 1875-1900. Polychrome papier mache on turned boxwood stands.

Robert Brendel (c. 1821–1898) and his son, Reinhold (c. 1861–1927) were didactic model makers based in Berlin at the end of the nineteenth century. They supplied papier-mâché models to universities, colleges and schools for teaching throughout Europe and the wider world. This particular example shows the seeds of the common oak, enabling students to learn how the tree reproduces.