Who painted The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants?

The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants was painted by Thomas Sutherland in 1821.

Where can I see The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants?

The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants

The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants is a print by Thomas Sutherland. It dates from 1821 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants is an early 19th-century print by British engraver and aquatinter Thomas Sutherland, dating to around 1821. It belongs to a series of botanical illustrations showcasing Sutherland's role in the era's natural history publications.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a selection of American bog plants in their natural, swampy habitat. The composition highlights the unique morphology of various species, including those with curved leaves, white blooms, and pod-like structures, set against a distant, serene landscape.

Technique & Style

Executed in a detailed, illustrative style characteristic of early 19th-century botanical art, the work emphasizes meticulous rendering of each plant's characteristics, reflecting the scientific and observational ethos of the time.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1821 as part of Sutherland's botanical series, the print's specific provenance history is not detailed here, though it aligns with the broader context of illustrated natural history works of the early 19th century.

Context

This piece was part of a larger movement in early 19th-century publishing that emphasized accurate botanical illustration, catering to both scientific inquiry and the burgeoning interest in natural history among the general public.

Legacy

As part of Thomas Sutherland's contributions to botanical printing, *The Temple of the Flora: American Bog Plants* contributes to the historical record of botanical illustration, reflecting the artistic and scientific standards of its era.

Artist & collection

Artist

Thomas Sutherland

Thomas Sutherland (1785–1838) was a British engraver and aquatinter. As well as contributing illustrations to Rudolf Ackermann's The Microcosm of London, he also produced a series of prints based on the Peninsular War.