BURY, Priscilla (1799-1872, artist) and Robert HAVELL (1793-1878, engraver)

Amaryllis Superba

[Pl. 31] London: R. Havell, 1831. Aquatint engraving finished by hand in watercolour. Sheet size: 24 3/4 x 18 3/4 inches. Matted and accompanied by text leaf.

Priscilla Bury’s stunning depiction of the plant Amaryllis superba, expertly engraved by Robert Havell, showcases her botanical skill and the vibrant beauty of this striking plant.

Priscilla Bury, a self-taught botanical artist, grew up surrounded by the plants she so meticulously sketched in her family's greenhouses in Liverpool. This print of Amaryllis superba exemplifies her commitment to capturing the beauties of a genus known for its vibrant blooms and tropical origins. Originally intending to have her work lithographed, Burys A Selection of Hexandrian Plants was later entrusted to the esteemed engraver Robert Havell, who brought her detailed watercolors to life through vibrant hand-finished plates, much as he did for Audubons Birds of America. Havells masterful use of aquatint further elevates the exquisite structure and vibrant hues of the Amaryllis superba, showcasing both the delicacy and grandeur of this plant. As exemplified by the present print, Bury's collaboration with Havell produced some of the finest botanical illustrations of the period.

Dunthorne 71; Great Flower Books (1990), p. 53; Nissen BBI 306; Stafleu Tl2 937.

Item #40677

Price: $1,850.00