Thornton's Temple of Flora c. 1812 - Stapelias

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An exquisite original print from one of the most impressive English botanical works ever produced: THE TEMPLE OF FLORA by Dr. Robert John Thornton.  It is from the quarto edition, also known as the “Lottery Edition” - produced in London, c. 1812. Sheet size is 15.25 x 12 inches and Image size is approximately 9.5 x 7.5 inches.

This image of several varieties of the Stapelia family of South African succulent plants Is rendered with an evocative and surrealist accompaniment of an erupting volcano and a snake, lizard and fly depicted in the foreground. It is one of the most unusual of all of Thornton’s images.

Thornton’s famous Temple of Flora included the first botanical prints with a landscape background. These dramatic images, with their exotic and artistic settings, are a combination of aquatint, mezzotint and line engraving - partially printed in color and partially colored by hand.

Determined to produce the greatest series of botanical images ever produced, Dr. Thornton exhausted his fortune on this costly, magnificent endeavor.

This is an original image from the 1812 edition, more than two hundred years old, not a reproduction. It is in excellent condition as seen in the photo, and comes with a certificate of authenticity. 

Shipped Unmatted

  • Inventory# B-735
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