Dragon Arum, Poisonous Plant Botanical Engraving, Thornton, 1802

Title: Dragon Arum, Poisonous Plant Botanical Engraving, Thornton, 1802

Description:

An exceptionally striking original hand-colored and gommé engraved botanical plate titled "Anatomy of the Dragon Arum, A Poisonous Plant," published in London in 1802 as part of Robert John Thornton's monumental work A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus Von Linnaeus. The plate was engraved after the designs of Peter Henderson and ranks among the most dramatic botanical images produced during the golden age of scientific illustration.

The composition presents the Dragon Arum (Dracunculus vulgaris) in extraordinary detail. Thornton's plate illustrates both the spectacular flower and a sectional view revealing its internal structure, alongside a detailed leaf study. The deep purples, greens, and warm earthy tones create a visually arresting image that combines scientific precision with artistic elegance.

Robert John Thornton (1768 to 1837) devoted much of his career and fortune to producing what is widely regarded as one of the greatest botanical publications ever issued. Inspired by the Linnaean system of classification, Thornton commissioned leading artists and engravers of the day to create plates that elevated botanical illustration to the level of fine art. His works remain highly prized by collectors, museums, and botanical enthusiasts.

The Dragon Arum was one of the most exotic and intriguing plants known to European botanists at the turn of the nineteenth century. Its unusual form, dramatic coloration, and association with poisonous properties made it a popular subject for scientific study and artistic representation. Thornton's depiction captures both the plant's scientific significance and its remarkable visual impact.

The combination of hand coloring, gommé printing, and meticulous engraving demonstrates the high production standards that made Thornton's publications famous. Today, original plates from this series are increasingly sought after for their decorative appeal, scientific importance, and historical significance within the development of botanical art.

This impressive engraving works equally well as a collector's piece, a statement artwork, or part of a larger botanical collection.

Condition Report:

Good antique condition consistent with age. Minor age toning and handling wear. Print slightly frayed in the lower margin as noted. Colors remain attractive and the image is well preserved. Please examine all photographs carefully as they form part of the description.

Framing Suggestions:

This plate displays exceptionally well in a dark walnut, ebonized, or black-and-gilt frame with a warm ivory museum mat. The dramatic coloration of the Dragon Arum makes it particularly suitable for libraries, studies, conservatories, contemporary interiors, and collections of natural history art.

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.