Artwork Page for The Dragon Arum, Black Calla or Solomon's Lily

Details / Information for The Dragon Arum, Black Calla or Solomon's Lily

The Dragon Arum, Black Calla or Solomon's Lily

1799–1807
published by

Robert John Thornton

(British, 1768–1837)
engraved by

William Ward

(British, 1776–1826)
Culture
England, late 18th-early 19th Century
Medium
mezzotint
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland, for the Donald Gray Memorial Collection 1939.291
Public Domain
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Location
Not on view
Print

Description

In the 18th century, new engraving and etching techniques offered a variety of tonal effects that enhanced botanical prints. While mezzotint (in which the plate is roughened and then the engraver works from dark to light creating different values) and stipple (dots create values) make it possible to create the rich tonal scale and velvety texture of oil paint, aquatint imitates the delicacy and transparency of watercolor and ink wash.
A vertically oriented mezzotint depicts the Dragon Arum plant centered against a dramatic landscape. A large, ruffled, deep purple sheath curves around a long, black tapered spike. At the base, green lobed leaves with white veins fan outward. Dark, swirling gray clouds fill the upper half of the composition above jagged blue-green mountain silhouettes. The plant's velvety textures contrast with the moody atmosphere, finished with cursive text at the bottom.

The Dragon Arum, Black Calla or Solomon's Lily

1799–1807

Robert John Thornton, William Ward

(British, 1768–1837), (British, 1776–1826)
England, late 18th-early 19th Century

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