"Ferraria Tigrida" published May 1, 1809 by Dr. Robert John Thornton (British, 1768-1837), London AND "Carnation" published May 1, 1809 by Dr. Thornton, London AND "Orchis latifolia or Marsh Orchis" published June 1, 1810 by Dr. Thornton, London. Three stunning hand-colored engravings created for Dr. Robert Thornton who was most famous for his impressive flower book entitled "The Temple of Flora." One composition presents Ferraria Tigrida, with depictions of the various parts to show the anatomy of the flower; another depicts a beautiful pink Carnation, labeled to show various aspects of the flower's anatomy, and finally, Orchis Latifolia or Marsh Orchis, including details of the tubers, roots, and flower. All three hand colored engravings are set in custom mattes in shades of pink, rose, and mauve with protective cellophane windows. Size of sheets: 18.625" L x 13" W (47.3 cm x 33 cm) Size of largest matte (Marsh Orchis): 23.625" L x 17" W (60 cm x 43.2 cm)
Dr. Thornton's "Temple of Flora" is recognized as one of the greatest English color-plate flower books. A wealthy heir, Thornton trained as a medical doctor. Although he had success in the medical field and was appointed as physician to the Marylebone Dispensary and lecturer in medical botany at Guy's and St. Thomas's hospitals, he set out to unite the arts and sciences by creating his beautiful book. Interestingly, while Redoute had the supporting patronage of L'Heritier, Marie Antoinette, the Empress Josephine, Charles X and the Duchesse de Berry, Thornton worked independently, employing numerous artists on his own to depict twenty-eight paintings of flowers. These were commissioned from Abraham Pether (also called Moonlight Pether), Philip Reinagle, Sydenham Edwards, and Peter Henderson. Sadly, this pursuit left Thornton in dire financial straits. In order to extricate himself of this debt, he created the Royal Botanic Lottery under Prince Regent's patronage.
Provenance: private Lucille Lucas collection, Crested Butte, Colorado, USA
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#134132
Condition
All sheets show normal toning, stains in areas, and minor losses/creases to peripheries. Slight fading to titles, but still legible. Imagery and coloring are very nice. Mattes are in good condition save slight age wear.