Artwork

The Botanical Magazine or Flower Garden Displayed: Plate 892, Althaea Flexuosa. Seringapatam A Hollyhock . [Althea rosea]

The Botanical Magazine or Flower Garden Displayed: Plate 892, Althaea Flexuosa. Seringapatam A Hollyhock . [Althea rosea] is a print by the Romanticist artist Francis Sansom. It is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Plate 892, Althaea Flexuosa, from The Botanical Magazine or Flower Garden Displayed, is an 1805 print by Francis Sansom, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts Althaea Flexuosa (also known as Althea rosea or Seringapatam Hollyhock), a flowering plant, in meticulous detail. The subject showcases botanical accuracy, characteristic of the genre.

Technique & Style

The work features a predominantly red flower with yellow and green accents against a light tan background. Intricate lines, textures, and a nuanced color palette achieve a realistic representation, aligning with the scientific and aesthetic goals of botanical illustration.

History & Provenance

Created in 1805 by Francis Sansom, the print is part of a broader publication, The Botanical Magazine or Flower Garden Displayed. It is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Context

While associated with the broader context of botanical art, the piece's connection to the Romanticism movement, as suggested by its detailed realism and aesthetic appeal, highlights the intersection of scientific documentation and artistic expression during this period.

Legacy

As a detailed example of early 19th-century botanical illustration, Plate 892 contributes to the historical record of plant species documentation and the evolution of botanical art.