The Golden Age of Botanical Art

Highlighting the classical work of the seventeenth to the nineteenth century, and beautifully illustrated with over 250 rare, or previously unpublished, images from art collection of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, The Golden Age of Botanical Art brings together the stories of the brave and intrepid explorers and the many professional artists who recorded for posterity the flora that were discovered on their expeditions. Truly global in its scope, this fascinating story of botanical art moves across centuries and continents looking at the artistry of China and India, delving into the sketchbooks of globetrotting men and women and following the voyages of those who discovered new worlds and species as far apart as Africa and South America, whether they were hardened scientists or intrepid Victorian ladies. Including features on key figures — from Leonardo da Vinci to the artists of Empress Josephine Bonaprte — The Golden Age of Botanical Art shows that what might have been a gentle pastime for some in fact made a significant contribution to our understanding of the world and the glories of nature. Martyn Rix is a botanist and Editor of Curtis's Botanical Magazine, and as such has an unrivalled knowledge of botanical art.