ANONYMOUS
Erica Grandiflora, Octandra Monogynia
circa 1810. Pencil and watercolour. Painted on wove paper. Title in ink at bottom of sheet. In perfect condition. Sheet has been remargined and given an artificial platemark. Image size: 16 x 10 inches. Sheet size: 22 x 17 3/8 inches.
A stunningly executed watercolour of the "Erica Grandiflora" plant, native to the Cape province of South Africa.
From the end of the eighteenth century until the early decades of the nineteenth century, England was swept up in a horticultural craze known as "ericamania". Interest in the genus "Erica" was being stimulated by the apparently endless stream of plants being discovered and shipped back from South Africa. Nurserymen specialized in cultivating the new arrivals and at the height of 'ericamania' large numbers of different varieties were available across the whole of England. At one time there were over 228 different varieties of "ericas" under cultivation by one London grower alone.
This stunning drawing is a wonderful example of the Erica Grandiflora plant with its fetching yellow blossoms. Unfortunately we have not been able to discover any information concerning the artist of this charming botanical watercolour. It is obviously from the hand of an accomplished amateur painter who had a natural talent for composition and keen eye for detail. Amateur flower painting became extremely popular during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century as a favored pursuit for aristocratic women. Painting was viewed as a necessary talent for young women, and was eagerly pursued and practiced by the upper classes. This skillful painting is a beautiful botanical study and speaks to the skill of the artist. It is finely executed and delicately coloured and is a charming depiction of this rare South African flower.
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$600.00
