Napoleon Flower, L'Horticulture Francais

This exquisite botanical plate from L'Horticulteur Français captures Napoleona heudeloti, a remarkable West African flowering plant named in honor of Napoleon Bonaparte. Painted by E. Blanchard and engraved by Visto for the journal's 1858 volume, the illustration showcases the species' most distinctive feature: extraordinary flowers with concentric rings of crimson petals radiating around a cream and gold corona, resembling ornate rosettes or exotic sea creatures. The composition presents a flowering branch with two blooms at different angles, allowing viewers to appreciate the flower's complex architecture alongside the plant's handsome glossy leaves with their prominent venation. Published under the editorship of F. Herincq at the Muséum d'Histoire Naturelle de Paris, this plate represents the golden age of French botanical illustration when scientific accuracy merged seamlessly with artistic beauty. A standout piece for collectors of botanical art, this print brings together natural history, imperial history, and mid-century French craftsmanship in one striking image. Size: 9" x 6" Artist: E. Blanchard Condition: Very Good, Age-appropriate wear. Paper toning in accordance with the print's age. Marks/stains as per photo. Wear around the edges and minor paper loss might be present in some prints. Please refer to each print's image to get a better understanding of the condition.