British BBotanical Splendor: A British Watercolor of Tulips

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Botanical Splendor: A British Watercolor of Tulips,
Early 19th Century

This early 19th-century British botanical watercolor is a stunning example … Read more Botanical Splendor: A British Watercolor of Tulips,
Early 19th Century

This early 19th-century British botanical watercolor is a stunning example of scientific illustration and artistic elegance. Depicting a bouquet of seven distinct tulips, the painting captures the vibrant colors and unique forms of these revered flowers. During this period, botanical art flourished, driven by a global fascination with new plant discoveries and the burgeoning field of botany. Artists meticulously documented plants for scientific purposes, but their works were also celebrated for their aesthetic beauty, adorning the walls of collectors and naturalists alike.

The tulip, in particular, held a special place in horticultural history. Having captivated Europe since the 17th-century "Tulip Mania" in the Netherlands, it remained a symbol of status and exotic beauty well into the 1800s. The varied patterns and hues seen in this watercolor, including striped or "broken" tulips, were highly prized and often caused by a virus (a phenomenon unknown to botanists at the time). The artist's precise and delicate brushwork not only serves a scientific function but also elevates the subject to a work of art.

The watercolor, beautifully presented in a frame and double matted, speaks to its careful preservation. Its provenance, tracing back to a private Pennsylvania collection and the prestigious W. Graham Arader III gallery, confirms its authenticity and value as a significant piece of art history. This work offers a window into an era when art and science were intrinsically linked, celebrating the wonders of the natural world with both accuracy and grace.

Dimensions: 19 3/4 inches high x 17 inches wide (50.17cm x 43.18cm)

Provenance: Private Pennsylvania Collection, with W. Graham Arader III.

(Ref: NY10552-xicl) See less