George Brookshaw (British, 1751-1823). Plate XLIV. Aquatint engraving from "Pomona Britannica" or "A Collection of the Most Esteemed Fruits at Present Cultivated in this Country…." Printed by George Brookshaw. Published in London, 1817, by Longman, Hurst, Rees, Orme & Brown and John Lepart 108 Strand. Quarto Edition. An outstanding aquatint engraving depicting four colorful figs by George Brookshaw. Brookshaw illustrated approximately 256 varieties of fruit, using specimens from the Royal Gardens at Hampton Court, the garden of the Princess of Wales at Blackheath, among several others. His unrivaled creations featured finely textured fruits - figs, pears, peaches, grapes, and more - presented in remarkable detail and brilliant hues. Size of aquatint engraving: 10.25" L x 8.25" W (26 cm x 21 cm) Size of page: 13.25" L x 10.625" W (33.7 cm x 27 cm)

Created during the heyday of printmaking in London, when aquatints in particular were an esteemed fine art, this composition demonstrates Brookshaw's undeniable talent and meticulous technique, and is among the most impressive botanical prints ever created. Brookshaw’s self-proclaimed intention was to "excite in gentlemen themselves a predominant turn and ardour for horticultural pursuits; so that…they may in every instance be able to judge for themselves and to direct…their own gardeners and labourers, instead of being, as they too generally are, the sport of their ignorant pretensions."

Provenance: private John and Mary Williams collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA

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#165630

Colors and details are vivid. Nice plate mark. Expected toning and minor creases and stains in areas commensurate with age. Otherwise intact and very nice.