(Natural History) The Winged Passion Flower, aquatint, mezzotint and stipple engravings finished by hand, 17 3/4 x 14 1/4 in. (20 3/4 x 16 1/2 in. overall), credited “Henderson delt.” and “Warner sculpt.” One of the great plates produced for Dr. Robert Thornton’s series The Temple of Flora. When Thornton inherited the family fortune in 1797, he left his medical practice to indulge his lifelong passion for botany. The finest botanical books had heretofore been published on the continent. Thornton, determined to surpass the Germans in scholarship and the French in printing artistry, planned a book of philosophic and literary distinction, illustrated by some of the best painters working in Britain. For this plate, Thronton engaged the services of Peter Henderson.
Marginal tears not affecting plate, small loss at margin at lower right with other minor marginal wear that can be easily matted out, slight scuffing to titling and lower right hand corner of print, else very good.
(EXA 3928) $950
