British Botanical Watercolor of Tulips

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Description

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

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

This is a beautiful example of an early 19th-century British Botanical Watercolor, framed and matted for display. The painting features a detailed and naturalistic study of four blooming tulips (Tulipa).

The artist captures the variety of the blossoms, with petals rendered in shades of creamy yellow, deep pink, and red. Two of the tulips exhibit the striking 'broken' pattern of contrasting colors—a phenomenon historically prized during the 17th and 18th centuries—where striping or "flaming" appears in the petals. The long, deep green leaves provide a strong vertical anchor for the composition.

The watercolor is presented in a sophisticated frame, including a pink matte and an inner matte with a green marbled effect and gilt slip, reflecting the continuing tradition of highly valued botanical art in the 19th century.

Dimensions: 18 1/2 inches high x 15 inches wide (47cm high x 38.10cm wide)

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

Historical Context: British Botanical Art and the Early 19th Century

The Golden Age of Botany: The early 19th century was a golden age for botanical illustration in Britain. Driven by the expansion of the British Empire, the scientific classification of newly discovered species, and the rise of scientific gardening, the demand for accurate and aesthetically pleasing botanical art was immense. Artists were often employed by scientists, wealthy patrons, and publishing houses to document the world's flora.

The Tulip's Enduring Appeal: The tulip held a particularly elevated status in European history, dating back to the Dutch "Tulip Mania" of the 17th century. While the extreme frenzy had passed by the 19th century, the flower remained a potent symbol of elegance and was the subject of intense cultivation. The 'broken' tulips shown in this watercolor—where the color is striped or "flamed" due to a harmless virus—were considered the most beautiful and exotic variations, making them a popular subject for skilled botanical artists who valued both scientific accuracy and artistic splendor. The work serves as both a document of a specific horticultural specimen and a refined decorative piece for the home.


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