Artwork Page for The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: The Pontic Rhododendron

Details / Information for The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: The Pontic Rhododendron

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: The Pontic Rhododendron

1799–1807

Robert John Thornton

(British, 1768–1837)
Culture
England, late 18th-early 19th Century
Medium
aquatint, stipple and line engraving
Credit Line
Gift of The Print Club of Cleveland 1951.276
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 color aquatint engraving depicts a central cluster of pinkish-purple rhododendron flowers with fine, stippled shading and pale yellow centers. Below, long dark-green pointed leaves sprout from a main stem. A small bee rests on a flower to the left, while a yellow butterfly flies in the upper right against a cloudy, gray-white sky. Two closed buds emerge on flanking stems. Cursive text at the bottom reads, "The Pontic Rhododendron."

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: The Pontic Rhododendron

1799–1807

Robert John Thornton

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

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