After Peter Henderson, Anatomy of the Sarracenia or Pitcher Plant, 1802, Engraving

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Title: Anatomy of the Sarracenia or Pitcher Plant, Thornton Botanical Print, 1802 : A superb original hand-colored and gommé engraved … Read more Title: Anatomy of the Sarracenia or Pitcher Plant, Thornton Botanical Print, 1802 : A superb original hand-colored and gommé engraved botanical plate titled "Anatomy of the Sarracenia or Pitcher Plant," published in London in 1802 as part of Robert John Thornton's celebrated masterpiece A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus Von Linnaeus. Engraved after the designs of Peter Henderson, this remarkable plate exemplifies the extraordinary blend of scientific observation and artistic refinement that made Thornton's publications among the most admired botanical works of the nineteenth century. The composition presents a detailed anatomical study of the Sarracenia, commonly known as the Pitcher Plant. Multiple views of the flower are illustrated, including front, back, and side perspectives, together with dissected botanical details intended to demonstrate the reproductive structure of the plant according to the Linnaean system. The dramatic arrangement of blossoms, rendered in rich shades of violet, purple, green, and crimson, creates an image that is both scientifically informative and visually captivating. Robert John Thornton (1768–1837) devoted enormous personal resources to producing what many historians regard as the most ambitious botanical publication ever undertaken in Britain. Inspired by the work of Carl Linnaeus, Thornton commissioned leading artists, engravers, and printers to create botanical illustrations that elevated scientific publishing to the level of fine art. His works remain highly sought after by collectors worldwide and are represented in major museums and botanical libraries. The Sarracenia, a carnivorous plant native to North America, fascinated European botanists because of its unusual pitcher-shaped leaves and exotic appearance. Thornton's anatomical plate reflects the intense scientific curiosity surrounding rare and newly discovered plants during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. The combination of fine engraving, contemporary hand coloring, and gommé printing gives the image exceptional depth and richness. The decorative quality of the composition allows it to function equally well as a scientific illustration and as an elegant work of art. Original Thornton botanical engravings continue to attract collectors of natural history, botanical art, garden history, and fine decorative prints. The striking coloration and unusual subject matter make this one of the most desirable types of plates from Thornton's celebrated publication. Condition Report: Good antique condition consistent with age. Minor age toning and occasional light handling wear. The colors remain vibrant and attractive. The image is well preserved with strong visual impact. Please review all photographs carefully as they form part of the . Framing Suggestions: This plate displays beautifully in a dark walnut, ebonized, or black-and-gilt frame with a warm ivory museum mat. The vivid purple and green tones create a striking focal point, making it particularly suitable for libraries, conservatories, studies, botanical collections, and contemporary interiors. This offering is for an original nineteenth-century botanical engraving, not a modern reproduction. Any framed room visualizations are intended solely to illustrate potential display options and may not accurately represent the print's exact scale relative to the frame or interior setting. The print is sold unframed. Technique: Hand-colored and gommé engraving Maker: Peter Henderson (after), published by Robert John Thornton, London, 1802. See less