Who painted Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium?

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium was painted by Georg Dionysius Ehret in 1762.

Where can I see Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium?

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium?

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium

Georg Dionysius Ehret , 1762

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 - Lycium is a print by the Romanticist artist Georg Dionysius Ehret. It dates from 1762 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Plantae Selectae: No.

About this work

Overview

The image depicts a Lycium shrub rendered with green foliage, clusters of purple blossoms bearing yellow throats, and a few unopened red buds.

Plantae Selectae: No. 68 – Lycium is a botanical print executed in 1762 by the German naturalist and illustrator Georg Dionysius Ehret. The image depicts a Lycium shrub rendered with green foliage, clusters of purple blossoms bearing yellow throats, and a few unopened red buds. A muted beige ground provides a neutral field, while small inset sketches labeled with letters illustrate specific plant parts.

Subject & Meaning

The work presents a detailed study of the Lycium species, emphasizing its diagnostic features for identification. The juxtaposition of mature flowers, buds, and leaf fragments offers a comprehensive visual reference, supporting the scientific aim of accurately conveying the plant’s morphology to scholars and collectors.

Technique & Style

Ehret employed fine line work and delicate washes typical of 18th‑century botanical engraving. The print balances precise anatomical detail in the inset diagrams with a more naturalistic rendering of the whole plant, using subtle tonal variations to suggest texture while maintaining clarity for instructional purposes.

History & Provenance

Created as part of the Plantae Selectae series, the print entered the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art, where it remains on view. The series was compiled to disseminate reliable botanical knowledge during a period of expanding scientific exploration in Europe.