A Group of Carnations

London: Dr. Thornton, 1803. Elephant folio aquatint, stipple and line, printed in color, finished by hand of Dr. Thornton's landmark botanical work the "Temple of Flora". This handsome grouping of carnations stands in the foreground, with mountains, a classical building to the right, and trees in the left background and a dramatic sky above.

First state of two of this plate from the Temple of Flora. `Minute alterations which in no way affected the appearance of the prints were made at an early stage of this plate, which is one of the finest of Thornton's productions. In its final state, the background has been entirely removed and a bluish white wash substituted, while the temple on the right has been re-engraved. Impressions of the Carnations vary therefore more widely than any others.' (Handasyde Buchanan. Thornton's Temple of Flora , 1951, p.16).

Henderson, pinx., Caldwall, sculp. Apr. 2nd, 1803, State I. Impression mark 40 x 52 cm, with trimmed margin to the impression mark. Dunthorne p.245, and illustrated p. 111. A strong impression with good color, if a trifle toned. There is a slim lighter band barely visible in the plate on the left side near the margin. Otherwise very good condition.