Artwork
The Kingdom Spear
The Kingdom Spear is a print by David Thorpe. It dates from 2004 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. The work is a printed illustration that mimics the format of late‑eighteenth‑century botanical plates.
About this work
Overview
Though the drawing follows the conventions of scientific study, the depicted species does not exist in nature.
The work is a printed illustration that mimics the format of late‑eighteenth‑century botanical plates. Rendered in fine line work with restrained hand‑applied colour, it presents a meticulously arranged plant specimen across the sheet, showing roots, leaves and tendrils in clear, non‑overlapping detail. Though the drawing follows the conventions of scientific study, the depicted species does not exist in nature.
Subject & Meaning
The imagined plant is portrayed as a botanical curiosity, a hybrid of realistic morphology and fanciful deviation. Its roots form decorative loops rather than functional structures, hinting at a playful subversion of natural law. The artist’s commentary suggests a broader interest in constructing personal, speculative worlds through figurative drawing, positioning the piece as a visual exploration of possible flora.
Technique & Style
Executed in a traditional printmaking process, the image relies on precise line engraving to define structure, while selective hand‑colouring adds subtle hues without obscuring the outlines. The style recalls the work of Redouté, the Bauers, and Jacquin, employing the same delicate balance of scientific accuracy and aesthetic restraint characteristic of historic plant illustration.
Context
Created by contemporary artist David Thorpe, the piece engages with the legacy of botanical illustration while inserting a fictional element. By adopting historic visual language, it comments on the authority of scientific imagery and the capacity of art to imagine alternative natural histories, aligning with Thorpe’s broader practice of inventing fantastical botanical forms.
Artist & collection
