1903 Antique French Botanical Chromolithograph-Bell Flower, Documentaion

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This is one of a small grouping of RARE antique 1903 French botanicals that we recently purchased. It showcases the … Read more This is one of a small grouping of RARE antique 1903 French botanicals that we recently purchased. It showcases the popular bell shaped flower, known as the BELL FLOWER. This is a chromolithograph from a French Beaux-Arts portfolio of 4 volumes of "Encyclopedie de la Plante", an “artistique” and “documentaire” collection of botanical plates. It is signed by the artist in upper left. This image showcases the upturned, bell-like flowers in deep purple, white and pink tones. The large blossoms are a garden favorite with their bountiful blooms and deep green leaves. This cluster are shown on a neutral tan colored,painterly, background that adds a beautiful depth of detail and interest in the botanical. The techonology of chromolithography was a time consuming process developed in the 1860s. It ultilized the use of multiple stones, one for each color. It was an expensive technique that required skilled craftsmen. This process of successive layering of colors and tones resulted in a beauty much like handpainted oil paintings. It was targeted primarily to the art-oriented audiences of the time. Today, chromolithpgraphs are considered "fine art". The expensive process was replaced by cheaper offset printing in the late 1930s. This botanical is clean and pristine! No indication of age markings. It measures 11.5 x 15 inches. Clean borders. Please see companion botanicals from this series in our shop. See less