Bilder Robert John Thornton (1768–1837) – Anatomy of the Pontic Rhododendron – Stipple engraving with hand coloring (1803)

Beskrivning

This detailed botanical plate, titled Anatomy of the Pontic Rhododendron, illustrates a scientific dissection of a Rhododendron ponticum flower. The composition features various stages of floral development and individual anatomical components, including the central pistil surrounded by radiating stamens, isolated views of the corolla, and the protective sepals. Each element is meticulously numbered and identified with descriptive text, such as "The First Stage" and "A Stamen magnified," reflecting the rigorous taxonomic documentation of the early 19th century. The engraving utilizes the stipple technique to achieve soft tonal transitions in the petals and stems, while subtle hand coloring enhances the organic detail of the specimen.

Robert John Thornton was a prominent English physician and botanical writer, best known for his monumental work, The Temple of Flora. Published between 1799 and 1807, the series was one of the most ambitious and lavishly produced botanical publications of the era, combining artistic beauty with scientific inquiry. Thornton collaborated with the finest painters and engravers of his time, including Peter Charles Henderson and James Caldwall, to create plates that were both educationally significant and aesthetically sublime. Despite the project's financial difficulty, Thornton’s works remain some of the most highly prized botanical prints in history, celebrated for their dramatic compositions and technical excellence.

Artist or Maker: Robert John Thornton

Dimensions: Approximately 52 cm x 35 cm 

Medium: Stipple engraving with hand coloring

Date: 1803

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.