Botanical Robert John Thornton
By Robert John
Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the
sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus : comprehending ... a
full explantion of the classes and orders of the sexual
system, and the Temple of Flora or garden of nature' / by
Robert John Thornton 1807 Some also appeared in
'Botanical Extracts: or philosophy of botany' by Robert John
Thornton, London 1810. These engravings are after artists
such as Warner, Sydenham Edwards, Peter Henderson, and
Philip Reinagle. Each large folio botanical engraving
depicts a single flower or plant specimen. Size broadsheet
567 x 443mm
( They also appear as 'Elementary Botanical Plates Illustrative of the Science of Botany'. published in London by T. Bensley for the Publishers. and the Author, 1810 but at a smaller size and cheaper) Yes they are a nightmare as to stave off debtors prison he used the plates all over the shop in varying states and sizes. These are substantially better quality paper than many of the Temple of Flora and way way cheaper but scientifically accurate
Robert John Thornton was born in 1768 to a successful writer. After three years study in medicine, he became enamored with the world of botany, and set out almost immediately on his most famous work New Illustrations of the Sexual System of Linnaeus, of which the illustrious Temple of Flora is a part.
He was the son of Bonnell Thornton and studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. Inspired by Thomas Martyn's lectures on botany and the work of Linnaeus he switched from the church to medicine. He worked at Guy's Hospital in London, where he later lectured in medical botany. After spending some time abroad, he settled and practised in London. Robert inherited the family fortune after the death of both his brother and mother.The production of these works nearly drove him to bankruptcy, even though they were funded with this rather sizable inheritance. Thornton attempted to avert financial disaster by petitioning Parliament to form the Royal Botanic Lottery, with the works of his botanical career, including The Botanical Extracts, serving as prizes. The lottery was not successful, as Thornton left his family nearly penniless when he died in 1837.
The most ambitious part of the "New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnæus" was Part III, the "Temple of Flora" (1799-1807). The first plates were engraved by Thomas Medland in May 1798, from paintings by Philip Reinagle. Between 1798 and 1807, they produced a total of thirty-three coloured plates, engraved in aquatint, stipple and line. When he planned the project, Thornton had decided to publish seventy folio-size plates. Lack of interest from the general public spelled disaster for the scheme, and the holding of a lottery could not save it from financial ruin, neither did a page in the work dedicated to the spouse of George III, Queen Charlotte, patroness of botany and the fine arts.
( They also appear as 'Elementary Botanical Plates Illustrative of the Science of Botany'. published in London by T. Bensley for the Publishers. and the Author, 1810 but at a smaller size and cheaper) Yes they are a nightmare as to stave off debtors prison he used the plates all over the shop in varying states and sizes. These are substantially better quality paper than many of the Temple of Flora and way way cheaper but scientifically accurate
Robert John Thornton was born in 1768 to a successful writer. After three years study in medicine, he became enamored with the world of botany, and set out almost immediately on his most famous work New Illustrations of the Sexual System of Linnaeus, of which the illustrious Temple of Flora is a part.
He was the son of Bonnell Thornton and studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. Inspired by Thomas Martyn's lectures on botany and the work of Linnaeus he switched from the church to medicine. He worked at Guy's Hospital in London, where he later lectured in medical botany. After spending some time abroad, he settled and practised in London. Robert inherited the family fortune after the death of both his brother and mother.The production of these works nearly drove him to bankruptcy, even though they were funded with this rather sizable inheritance. Thornton attempted to avert financial disaster by petitioning Parliament to form the Royal Botanic Lottery, with the works of his botanical career, including The Botanical Extracts, serving as prizes. The lottery was not successful, as Thornton left his family nearly penniless when he died in 1837.
The most ambitious part of the "New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnæus" was Part III, the "Temple of Flora" (1799-1807). The first plates were engraved by Thomas Medland in May 1798, from paintings by Philip Reinagle. Between 1798 and 1807, they produced a total of thirty-three coloured plates, engraved in aquatint, stipple and line. When he planned the project, Thornton had decided to publish seventy folio-size plates. Lack of interest from the general public spelled disaster for the scheme, and the holding of a lottery could not save it from financial ruin, neither did a page in the work dedicated to the spouse of George III, Queen Charlotte, patroness of botany and the fine arts.
melaleuca
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
ricin
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
First Stage of the Renealmia
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Fools Parsley
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Dragon Arum
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Tigrida
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Ragged Robin
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
African Calla Lily
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Smaller Burr Reed
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Cardamine
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Barley
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Pear Blossom Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Wild Chervil/Cervil
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
St Johns Wort
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Angallis
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Imperial Lily
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829). Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £145 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Anatomy of the Superb Lily
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829) . Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £115 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected
Anatomy of the Pitcher Plant
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829) . Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £115 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected amended price
Anatomy of the Passion Flower
Antique Folio Copper Plate print by Robert John Thornton (1768?-1837) from 'New Illustration of the sexual system of Carolus von Linnaeus Published 1808 Engraved by Warner drawn by Peter Charles Henderson (active 1799, died 1829) . Size broadsheet 567 x 443mm average Condition some minor creases suspect the printer, plus blemishes in margin but full page so enormous margins. £115 inc delivery so cheaper is a number are wanted or collected