George Brookshaw (British, 1751-1823). Plate XLIV. Aquatint engraving from "Pomona Britannica" or "A Collection of the Most Esteemed Fruits at Present Cultivated in this Country…." Printed by George Brookshaw. Published in London, 1817, by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown and John Lepart 108 Strand. Quarto Edition. An outstanding aquatint engraving depicting four colorful figs by George Brookshaw. Brookshaw illustrated approximately 256 varieties of fruit, using specimens from the Royal Gardens at Hampton Court, the garden of the Princess of Wales at Blackheath, among several others. His unrivaled creations featured finely textured fruits - figs, pears, peaches, grapes, and more - presented in remarkable detail and brilliant hues. Size of aquatint engraving: 10.25" L x 8.25" W (26 cm x 21 cm) Size of page: 13.25" L x 10.625" W (33.7 cm x 27 cm)
Created during the heyday of printmaking in London, when aquatints in particular were an esteemed fine art, this composition demonstrates Brookshaw's undeniable talent and meticulous technique, and is among the most impressive botanical prints ever created. Brookshaw’s self-proclaimed intention was to "excite in gentlemen themselves a predominant turn and ardour for horticultural pursuits; so that…they may in every instance be able to judge for themselves and to direct…their own gardeners and labourers, instead of being, as they too generally are, the sport of their ignorant pretensions."
Provenance: private John and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA
All items legal to buy/sell under U.S. Statute covering cultural patrimony Code 2600, CHAPTER 14, and are guaranteed to be as described or your money back.
A Certificate of Authenticity will accompany all winning bids.
PLEASE NOTE: Due to recent increases of shipments being seized by Australian & German customs (even for items with pre-UNESCO provenance),
we will no longer ship most antiquities and ancient Chinese art to Australia & Germany. For categories of items that are acceptable to ship to Australia, please contact us directly or work with your local customs brokerage firm.
#165630
Condition
Colors and details are vivid. Nice plate mark. Expected toning and minor creases and stains in areas commensurate with age. Otherwise intact and very nice.