The Superb Lily.

DateJune 1, 1799

After work by Philip Reinagle (1749-1833)

Engraver Richard Earlom 1743 - 1822

Publisher Dr. Robert John Thornton 1768? - 1837

OriginEngland, London

MediumMezzotint engraving printed in color and finished by hand

DimensionsFramed H: 31 3/8" Framed W: 25 3/8"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1988-410

DescriptionThe lower margin reads: "The Superb Lily./ Reinagle pinx.t/ Earlom sculp.t/ London, Published June 1, 1799, by D.r Thornton."Label TextDr. Robert John Thornton published the large folio prints of The Temple of Flora as a tribute to the discoveries of the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus. Life-sized flowers are placed against dramatic, sometimes startling, landscape backgrounds depicting the natural habitats of the plants. The lavishly engraved plates are the most unusual botanical illustrations of the period; never before had so much of the landscape been included when depicting a specific plant.
ProvenanceBefore 1988, W. Graham Arader III (New York, NY); 1988-present, purchased by the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation (Williamsburg, VA).