Daniel Carthidge Watercolor on paper of Fetularia (Carrion Plant)

CARTHIDGE, Daniel (18th Century, British).
Fetularia (Carrion Plant).
Watercolor on paper.
England, c. 1784.
For The figures of Several Plants both Exotic & of British Produce drawn for Sir Thom. Shortt.
14 1/4” x 9” sheet, 24 1/2” x 19” framed.

Important original watercolors for exotic botanical subjects, by a noted English artist.

These exquisite botanical watercolors by the British artist Daniel Carthidge were the original studies for a volume of engravings. Each image captures more profoundly than any engraving the vitality and beauty of the subjects, with subtle yet vivid color, and distinctive, wonderfully schematic stylization. Each plant emerges from the blank background with naturalism, as broad leaves appear to curve out towards the viewer, and fruit hangs heavy on branches.