GEORGIUS DIONYSIUS EHRET

Date1748-1767

Publisher Johann Jakob Haid

Maker Augustin Heckel (1690 - 1770)

OriginEurope, Germany, Augsburg

MediumBlack and white line engraving with some burin work

DimensionsOH: 21" x OW: 14 1/4"; Plate: H: 15 7/8" x W: 10 1/2"

Credit LineGift of Virginia Lascara

Object number2000-74

DescriptionArch around the portrait reads: "GEORGIUS DIONYSIUS EHRET/ HEIDELBERGA-PALATINUS/ ACAD.CAES.N.CUR.ET REG.SOCIETAT.SCIENT.LONDINEN--/ SII SOCIUS BOTANICUS ET STIRPIUM PICTOR/ EGREGIUS Nat.d.Ianuar.1708."
Along the bottom edge of the plate: "A. Heckell delin./ J.J. Haid excud. A.V."
Label TextThis print depicts the botanaical illustrator George Dioysius Ehret (1708-1770). The portrait is based on an unfinished self-portrait of Ehret. He is sitting or standing against a table or flat surface drawing the flower that he holds in his left hand. He is gazing out towards the viewer. Surrounding him on all sides is an architectural detail or archway with rococo ornamentation. Below the writing surface is more rococo decoration including a shell and floral garland; to the right is a pilaster with a vase and flower.

ProvenanceThis portrait of Ehret appeared in Dr. Christoph Jakob Trew's "Plantae Selectae" to which Ehret contributed some of his finest drawings. Ehret was considered the most highly-regarded botanical artist in eighteenth-century England. Colonial Williamsburg owns several of his watercolors and prints. This print was purchased by Black Dog Gallery from an auction at Christie's, London, March 1999.