Artwork

A Collection of Flowers Drawn from Nature: Large Double China Aster

A Collection of Flowers Drawn from Nature: Large Double China Aster is a print by the Romanticist artist John Edwards. It dates from 1798 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Large Double China Aster is a botanical print from a rare 18th-century book featuring 77 flower illustrations.

About this work

Overview

Large Double China Aster is a botanical print from a rare 18th-century book featuring 77 flower illustrations. Created by Edwards, a renowned botanical draftsman of his time, the work showcases a detailed, realistic depiction of the flower.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a Large Double China Aster, drawn directly from nature, reflecting the 18th-century practice of botanical realism. The artist's attention to detail emphasizes the flower's natural beauty.

Technique & Style

The print combines pale printer's ink with watercolor, allowing the delicacy of the watercolor to remain visible. This technique enhances the realism and subtle appearance of the flower.

History & Provenance

Originally part of a superb and extremely rare book with 77 plates, the current location of this specific print is The Cleveland Museum of Art.