Dr. Robert John Thornton
(1768?-1837) (editor)
Peter Henderson (after)
Joseph Constantine Stadler (act. 1780-1812) (aquatint etcher)
The Blue Egyptian Water Lily
from The Temple of Flora, or Garden of the Botanist, Poet, Painter,
and Philosopher
Dr. Robert John Thornton, London: 1812
Stipple, mezzotint or aquatint, some partially printed in colors, finished by hand and some heightened with gum arabic
13.25 x 10.25 inches, overall
11.25 x 8 inches, approximate plate mark
$1,300

Plate from The Temple of Flora, Robert John Thornton’s renowned botanical work. Read general information about the set here. About this particular plate, scholar Ronald King writes:

"The ancient Egyptians venerated the Blue Water Lily [Nymphaea caerulea Savigny]. Their attraction to it is understandable because of its pleasing colour and the very delicate scent of its flowers, which are produced in abundance during the summer months. Displayed quietly among the leaves amid the scarcely-moving water, the whole plant distils an atmosphere of stillness, light and peace. This contrasts greatly with the tone of the text with which Thornton accompanied the plate in The Temple of Flora. When he had this prepared, the triumph of Nelson over Napoleon at Aboukir Bay was still fresh in the memory and a large part of the text and notes is concerned with the battle instead of the plant. The water lily in the picture is set against a background which is supposed to represent `a distant view of Aboukir and the waters of the Nile.' Palm trees and a mosque in the middle distance add a touch of authenticity to the supposed Egyptian scene...The strong Egyptian sun is reflected in the rippling water and the plate has a lightness which is very attractive." (Ronald King, The Temple of Floraby Robert Thornton, 1981, p.110)

Peter Henderson, a London-based painter mainly known for his portraits, contributed 14 of the 28 plates of The Temple of Flora. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1799 and 1829.

Joseph Constantine Stadler, a prolific engraver and aquatint artist, worked in London and created works, chiefly views and landscapes, after some of the leading artists of the day, including J.F.W. Turner, De Loutherbourg, Farington and Coombe.

Condition: Generally very good with the usual light overall toning, soiling, and wear. Margins with faint mat burn from former matting, can be matted out. Professionally rebacked on supporting sheet. Bookworm loss to left margin.

References:

Blunt, Wilfred, rev. by Stearn, William T. The Art of Botanical Illustration. Woodbridge, Suffolk, England: Antique Collectors Club, 1994. pp. 236-242.

Redgrave, Samuel. A Dictionary of Artists of the English School: Painters, Sculptors, Architects, Engravers and Ornamentists. London: Longmans, Green, and Col., 1874. p. 389.