Artwork
Twelve Months of Flowers: April
Twelve Months of Flowers: April is a print by the Baroque artist Henry Fletcher. It dates from 1730 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
The colors are bright—reds, yellows, whites—and the stems twist together like a wild bunch.
This print shows a big vase packed with flowers. Tulips, roses, and daisies spill over the sides. The colors are bright—reds, yellows, whites—and the stems twist together like a wild bunch. A small face peeks out from the vase’s handle, looking surprised.
The flowers are labeled by name, like "Double Orange Tulip" and "Blush Lily." This print was made in 1730 to show what bloomed in April.
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Overview
Twelve Months of Flowers: April is an engraved print created by Henry Fletcher in 1730, part of a series based on drawings by Pieter Casteels, commissioned for a publication by gardener Robert Furber.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a vase overflowing with identified flowers such as tulips, roses, and daisies, symbolizing the blooms of April. A small, surprised face on the vase handle adds a whimsical element.
Technique & Style
Fletcher's engraving showcases his proficiency in floral subjects, characterized by vibrant colors (reds, yellows, whites) and intricate, twisting stems, reflecting Baroque influences.
History & Provenance
Commissioned by Robert Furber for his 1730 publication, the plate was engraved by Fletcher from Casteels' drawings, highlighting collaboration among artists and patrons of the time.
Context
Part of a broader Baroque artistic trend, this work can be contextualized alongside other Baroque pieces, as suggested by its stylistic and thematic similarities.
Legacy
As part of Fletcher's floral engravings, 'Twelve Months of Flowers: April' contributes to his noted skill in the genre, also reflected in his work on bird plates and literary illustrations.
Artist & collection
Artist
Henry Fletcher (fl. 1710–1750), was an English engraver. Fletcher worked in London, and produced engravings possessing some merit. He most excelled as an engraver of flowers, notably The Twelve Months of Flowers and The…
