Exotic Blooms, 1875, Paper, Set of 6

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The following six chromolithographs are botanical prints from a collection illustrated by Louis Benoît Van Houtte. Louis Benoît Van Houtte … Read more The following six chromolithographs are botanical prints from a collection illustrated by Louis Benoît Van Houtte. Louis Benoît Van Houtte was a prominent Belgian horticulturist and nurseryman. He published the famous "Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe" (Flora of Greenhouses and Gardens of Europe) during the mid-19th century. This was a large-scale botanical work published between 1845 and 1883, featuring hundreds of lithographs, many of which were hand-colored using the chromolithography technique. About Louis Van Houtte: Van Houtte was a leading figure in European horticulture and operated one of the most extensive commercial plant nurseries in Europe at the time. His nursery was based in Ghent, Belgium, where he introduced numerous exotic plants to European gardens. In addition to his horticultural pursuits, Van Houtte’s *"Flore des Serres"* was one of the most important botanical publications of the 19th century. It not only documented plants from his own greenhouses but also featured species from around the world, including new discoveries from plant expeditions. Chromolithography Technique: Van Houtte employed some of the most talented botanical illustrators and lithographers of his day to create stunningly detailed and vibrant illustrations for *"Flore des Serres"*. These prints are among the finest examples of chromolithography—a method of making multi-colored prints that were able to capture the vivid beauty of plants with lifelike precision. The technique was highly labor-intensive, but the results were visually striking, showing intricate details of each flower and plant in full color. Conclusion: So, while the individual prints may not have been exclusively made by Van Houtte himself, many chromolithographs of this kind were associated with or inspired by his publication legacy, making him a significant figure in the world of botanical illustration. More about the plants: 1. Pompon Dahlias (*Dahlia pinnata*) - English Name: Pompon Dahlias (Varieties: 'Star' and 'Little Dorrit') - : *Dahlia pinnata* is known for its compact, spherical blooms that resemble pompons. The plant is a garden favorite, admired for its bright colors, which range from soft pinks to deep reds and yellows. The two varieties shown in this print highlight the ornamental nature of these flowers. 2. Potentilla macnabiana (*Potentilla macnabiana*) - English Name: Macnab's Cinquefoil - : This member of the rose family is known for its striking yellow-orange flowers with deep red centers. *Potentilla macnabiana* is a hardy plant that grows in a wide range of conditions. Its vivid blooms make it a standout in cottage and wildflower gardens. 3. Clianthus dampieri (*Clianthus dampieri*) - English Name: Sturt’s Desert Pea - : Native to Australia, *Clianthus dampieri*, commonly known as Sturt’s Desert Pea, is famous for its striking scarlet flowers with a unique black center. This plant thrives in arid conditions and is an iconic symbol of Australia’s native flora. 4. Iochroma coccineum (*Iochroma coccineum*) - English Name: Scarlet Iochroma - : Native to Central and South America, *Iochroma coccineum* produces bright red, tubular flowers that hang in clusters. Its vibrant blossoms attract hummingbirds and make it a popular choice for tropical and subtropical gardens. 5. Heliconia angustifolia (*Heliconia angustifolia*) - English Name: Narrow-Leaved Heliconia - : *Heliconia angustifolia*, native to tropical regions of South America, is known for its exotic, banana-like leaves and bright red and white bracts. The plant's unique structure and vivid colors have made it a popular choice for tropical gardens and floral arrangements. 6. Kniphofia aloides (*Kniphofia uvaria*) - English Name: Red Hot Poker (or Tritoma) - : *Kniphofia uvaria*, also known as Red Hot Poker, is native to South Africa and is celebrated for its tall spikes of fiery orange, red, and yellow tubular flowers. Its dramatic flower spikes are a striking addition to any garden, providing both color and architectural interest. See less