The Art of Botanical Painting

Discover the wonders of the natural world with this beautiful collection of botanical paintings from around the globe.

The opening of the 19th century ushered in an age of unprecedented scientific discovery and artistry. As the development of the microscope allowed scientists access to a previously unimaginable world in miniature, and naturalists travelling the globe sent home reports of weird and wonderful species, there was a growing desire for knowledge of the natural world.

Through the medium of popular botanical wall charts, botanical drawing and painting was able to bring this new area of exploration out of the elite salons and universities and into classrooms and homes.

This book is a celebration of these botanical wall charts, and the fantastic convergence of art and science they represent. With the artworks taking centre stage, accompanied by text that gives insight into the historical, botanical and artistic context, this unique collection will delight and fascinate botanists, devotees of beautiful vintage illustration, and all with an interest in the natural world.

Author Biography

Anna Laurent (1979-2024) dedicated her life to showcasing the beauty and functionality of plant forms and bringing them to a wider audience. An artist in her own right, her work is incorporated in the permanent collections of the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, and in the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History, California, as well as being exhibited in botanical gardens around the world and at the Linnean Society, London. Dispersal, a photographic project devoted to the beauty of seedpods that originated in a column for Print magazine, won prizes at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the International Photography Awards, and the International Garden Photography Awards.

Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Anna’s interest in botany developed upon moving to Los Angeles in 2008 to work in documentary film production. What began as a hobby became all consuming and within a short time she quit her job to devote herself full time to writing and creating art about plants. She found further success on relocating to Europe in 2017 where she split her time between London and the French Basque Country. Anna passed away from cancer at the age of 45 while working on a book on the history of human interactions with the botanical world.