Artwork

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: Blue Egyptian Waterlily

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature:  Blue Egyptian Waterlily, by Robert John Thornton, 1804
The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature:  Blue Egyptian Waterlily, by Robert John Thornton, 1804

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: Blue Egyptian Waterlily is a print by the Romanticist artist Robert John Thornton. It dates from 1804 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature: Blue Egyptian Waterlily is a print created by Robert John Thornton in 1804. It is currently held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a blue water lily surrounded by large green leaves, set against a backdrop of a domed building, palm trees, and calm water. The detailed rendering of the flower suggests it is the central subject, blending natural and architectural elements.

Technique & Style

The colors used are soft yet distinctive, with the blue flower standing out against the muted tones of the surroundings. The level of detail in the flower indicates a focus on botanical accuracy.

Context

This work is associated with the Romanticism movement, which often emphasized nature and its beauty.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.