Illustrations Of The Lotus Of Antiquity. By R. Duppa, Ll.B.

Richard Duppa

RA Collection: Book

Record number

05/3032

Author

Richard Duppa

Imprint

London:: Printed By T. Bensley, Bolt Court, Fleet Street., MDCCCXIII.

Physical Description

8, [4], [9]-12, [4], [13]-16, [2] p., [5] pl.; 335 mm. (Quarto.)

[T.p.] - [Text, with pl.].

Responsibility Note

No plate is signed.

References

G. Koch-Harnack, Erotische Symbole: Lotosblute und gemeinsamer Mantel auf antiken Vasen (1989); M.-L. Ryhiner, L'offrande du lotus dans les temples égyptiens (1986); H. Schlogl, Der Sonnengott auf der Blute: eine ägyptische Kosmogonie (1977); S. Morenz, Der Gott auf der Blume: eine ägyptische Kosmogonie und ihre weltweite Bildwirkung (1954); G. Buist, 'Notes on the lotus or sacred bean of India', in Transactions of the Bombay Geographical Society, 13 (1857).

On botanic illustration see W. Blunt, The art of botanical illustration (1950; rev. 1994).

Summary Note

The text falls into three sections: pp.3-8. The Libyan Lotus (followed by four unnumbered pages of English translations of the classical quotations, and one plate); pp.[9]-12. Ægyptian Lotus (followed by four unnumbered pages of translations and 2 pl.); pp. [13]-16. Tamara (followed by two unnumbered pages of translations and 2 pl.). The text includes extensive quotations from Homer, Herodotus, Theophrastus, Polybius, Dioscorides, Arrian, Pliny, Prosper Alpinus, Dr. Shaw and Mungo Park. The ancient Greek quotations are printed in Greek letter.

The plates are captioned, and show: [1] Libyan Lotus (Rhamnus Lotus, Linn.), [2] Ægyptian Lotus (Nymphaea Lotus, Linn.), [3] Ambel of India (Nymphaea Lotus, Linn.), [4] Tamara of India (Cyamus Nelumbo, Dr. Smith), [5] Capsula of the Tamara with ripe seeds; Isis [shown seated on a capsula].

The plates are all hand-coloured.

Binding Note

20th-century half calf, marbled-papered boards; spine lettered 'Duppa On The Lotus'.

Subject

Flowers (plants) - Lotus
Botany - Greece - Rome - History
Botany - Great Britain - 19th century
Pictorial works - Hand coloring - Great Britain - 19th century