antique prints, maps and watercolors

(Plate 17 Globeflower) The Ladies Flower Garden. London: Day & Haghe, 1841. $185.00

click for detailed image LoudonFritonia.jpg

Plate 17  "Tritonia squalida, Tritonia fenestra, Tritonia rosea"

Nineteenth century ladies of good breeding studied watercolor drawing. Jane Webb Loudon (1807-1858) was no exception. However, in her case, the activity was much more than a diversion. Janes's father died when she was only seventeen and the commercial success of her books kept her from poverty. She produced decorative books of flowers based upon her own paintings. They were intended for an audience of pleasure gardeners.  The volumes, published between 1840 and 1846, were entitled The Ladies Flower Garden of Ornamental Annuals, ...Bulbous Plants, ...Perennials and ...Ornamental Greenhouse Plants. They were so popular that they went into a second printing in 1850.

10 5/8 x 8 1/4 inches, sheet.
Hand colored lithograph.
Excellent condition with light overall patina.