A MAGNIFICENT COLLECTION OF NINETEENTH CENTURY BOTANICAL WATERCOLOUR S OF SOUTH AFRICAN HEATHERS (ERICA SPP.)

United Kingdom, 1840. Book. Very Good. Leather. Original. 24 x 29.5 Cm. A collection of 43 very fine, early/mid 19th century, comparatively large (approximately 285 x 235 mm), original watercolour studies of different species of South African Ericas, each autographed with the species name. Housed in a red straight-grained morocco case with closing flap and the words "In Memoriam Madre Mia" (in memory of my mother). While there is no reference to the originator of these studies, they are executed in a style close to that used by Henry C. Andrews for his Monograph on the Genus Erica (1804-1812). The present watercolours do not correspond directly to those but the composition is similiar and it is possible they were executed by Andrews in connection with the publication. Notwithstanding, they are highly accomplished, reminiscent of the best botanical artists of the day. They are painted onto fine-textured card; this card for a number of paintings is blind embossed to the corners "Reynolds extra superfine London board" or "Bristol Paper". These papers would appear to date the paintings to the 1840's, which would fit with the style of the paintings and lettering, however the straight-grained morocco case might suggest an earlier date? The paintings are generally in very good condition, the colours fresh, vibrant and unfaded, a few are a little dust marked, the paper lightly age-toned, one or two small marks. The case is a little worn and rubbed to the edges, the tap to pull out the flap is missing (the paintings are very tight when all are in the case). An exceptional and important historical collection of original watercolour paintings of South African Ericas..