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Floral Treasures: 19th-Century Chromolithographs from the Botanical Collection

About the Item

The following six chromolithographs are part of a collection published in 1896, created by Désiré Bois and Edward Step. They illustrate botanical subjects with remarkable attention to detail and color, showcasing the popular plants of that era. Chromolithography was a technique that enabled vibrant color reproduction, making it ideal for scientific and artistic representations of plants. ### 1. **Ixia maculata** - **English Name**: Spotted African Corn Lily - **Description**: *Ixia maculata* features colorful, star-shaped flowers in shades of yellow, orange, and red. It is native to South Africa and belongs to the Iris family. This flower is often grown for its vibrant display in gardens. Its tubular flowers are arranged in spikes, and they open in sunlight but close in the shade, a trait that fascinated botanists and gardeners alike. ### 2. **Papaver somniferum** - **English Name**: Opium Poppy - **Description**: The *Papaver somniferum*, commonly known as the Opium Poppy, is a species known for its large, double-flowered blossoms in shades of red, pink, and white. The distinctive seed capsules of this poppy contain opiates, and its medicinal and intoxicating uses were well known historically. The flower is also a powerful ornamental, grown for its beauty and symbolism. ### 3. **Vallota purpurea** - **English Name**: Scarborough Lily - **Description**: *Vallota purpurea*, or the Scarborough Lily, is a bulbous plant with deep red, trumpet-shaped flowers. It was a popular choice for Victorian indoor gardens due to its striking color and ease of growth. Native to South Africa, this flower blooms in summer and adds a dramatic splash of red to garden beds. ### 4. **Helichrysum bracteatum** - **English Name**: Immortelles (Strawflower) - **Description**: *Helichrysum bracteatum*, commonly known as Immortelles or Strawflower, is recognized for its paper-like, everlasting blooms. These flowers, in shades of red, yellow, white, and pink, were popular in dried flower arrangements because they retained their color and form even after being dried. Native to Australia, they have since become a staple in ornamental gardens. ### 5. **Cheiranthus cheiri** - **English Name**: Wallflower - **Description**: *Cheiranthus cheiri*, or Wallflower, is a charming and fragrant flower, blooming in vibrant clusters of yellow, orange, and red. The plant is known for its hardiness, often found growing in rocky crevices or old walls, giving rise to its common name. Its long flowering season and rich scent made it a favorite in Victorian gardens. ### 6. **Mirabilis jalapa** - **English Name**: Marvel of Peru (Four O'Clock Flower) - **Description**: *Mirabilis jalapa*, known as Marvel of Peru or Four O'Clock Flower, is a delightful plant with multicolored blooms that open in the late afternoon, hence its common name. Originating in South America, this plant was beloved for its beauty and its unique characteristic of displaying multiple colors on the same plant. ### About the Makers: - **Désiré Bois** was a distinguished French botanist and botanical illustrator. His meticulous work brought an artistic precision to botanical studies, combining scientific rigor with aesthetic beauty. His illustrations, often used in scientific publications, were highly regarded for their accuracy and beauty. - **Edward Step** was an English naturalist and author who contributed to several works on natural history, particularly focusing on plants and flowers. His work often targeted the general public, making botanical knowledge accessible through detailed illustrations and informative text. His publications often featured the collaborative works of talented illustrators like Bois. ### The Publication: This collection was part of a series published in 1896 that focused on the natural world, particularly plants, and was intended to educate the general public about the beauty and variety of flora. The combination of Step’s clear, educational text and Bois’ exquisite illustrations made this series a valuable resource for both gardening enthusiasts and natural historians. ### Technique: Chromolithography Chromolithography is a method of making multi-colored prints, which became widely used in the 19th century. It involves using multiple stones, each inked with a different color, to build up an image layer by layer. This process was highly suited to botanical illustrations, as it allowed for the precise reproduction of a plant's natural colors, making the final result both scientifically useful and visually appealing. Chromolithographs were labor-intensive, but their ability to capture the vibrant hues and delicate details of plants made them the ideal medium for this type of artwork.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 6.11 in (15.5 cm)Depth: 0 in (0.02 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 6
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Paper
  • Period:
    1890-1899
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1896
  • Condition:
    Condition: Very good, given age. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13761-92, BG-13761-95, etc1stDibs: LU3054341457502

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