Louis Van Houtte, Twining Brodiaea, 1800s, Paper

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Twining Brodiaea Botanical Illustration by Louis van Houtte, 19th Century This illustration features the Brodiaea volubilis, commonly known as Twining … Read more Twining Brodiaea Botanical Illustration by Louis van Houtte, 19th Century This illustration features the Brodiaea volubilis, commonly known as Twining Brodiaea, a plant known for its distinctive twining leaves and clusters of delicate, star-shaped flowers. Measuring approximately 24 x 16 cm (9.5 x 6.5 inches), this print is part of the "Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe," a renowned collection by Louis van Houtte, a prominent 19th-century Belgian horticulturist. Van Houtte's works are celebrated for their detailed botanical illustrations, which depict a variety of exotic and native plants with precision and artistic skill. The Brodiaea volubilis depicted in this illustration is native to California, indicating its origins in the North American region. The plant's name, "volubilis," suggests its characteristic twining or coiling behavior, as seen in the long, winding leaves that wrap around the main stem. The delicate flowers, shown in a soft blend of white, pink, and purple, are a highlight of this plant's ornamental appeal. The artwork employs the lithography technique, a popular 19th-century method for producing detailed and accurate botanical prints, with hand coloring to enhance the natural beauty of the plant. The condition of the print is well-maintained, with the colors vibrant and the fine details clearly visible, illustrating the high quality of Louis van Houtte's botanical works and the care taken in their preservation. See less