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After Sydenham Teak Edwards

Hyacinths, from "The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature"

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Mexican Prints
On view through January 5, Mexican Prints at the Vanguard explores the rich tradition of printmaking in Mexico—from the 18th century to the mid-20th century—through works drawn mainly from the Museum’s collection.

About the Artwork

Hyacinths, from The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature, 1801. Engraver: Thomas Warner, after Sydenham Teak Edwards; Publisher: Robert John Thornton. Aquatint and stipple engraving printed in colors with hand coloring. Gift of Joyce Bullock Darrell, 2014.
This delicately color aquatint shows five varieties of hyacinth in a coastal landscape and comes from "The Temple of Flora, or Garden of Nature, Picturesque Botanical Plates of the new Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus" (1799-1807). Varieties described here include Diana van Epheson (double white with small red spots, at far left and center), Don Gratuit (single dark blue, at back left), La Heroine (double white at front center), Globe Terrestre (double light blue, almost hidden behind a central white stalk), and Velour Purpre (dark double blue with green edged petals, at right). Dr. John Thornton devoted his personal fortune to the project which responded to discoveries about floral reproduction recently made by the Swedish naturalist Carl Linnaeus. The series represents flowers from around the globe in native habitats (although unexpectedly high costs reduced an intended seventy prints to thirty-two). Thirteen engravers reproduced paintings and drawings supplied by botanical artists, the plates were etched using a combination of aquatint, stipple and mezzotint, printed in color "à la poupée" then enhanced with watercolor additions. Size, composition and sensitive coloring here raise botanical art to a new level.

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About Our Prints

Quality
Met Custom Prints offers exclusive custom reproductions of artworks in The Met collection. Thanks to gallery-quality materials, we create prints as true to the original work as possible, using strict color management protocols and state-of-the-art printing technology.
Selection
This is the only place you’ll find reproductions approved by The Metropolitan Museum of Art. We are continually adding new artworks to our offering, so be sure to check back regularly as you build your own gallery. A variety of molding styles means our custom framed prints can match any type of decor.

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Met Members will receive their 15% discount for all Met Custom Prints purchases. If you are Member, when you check out enter your member ID and the last name associated with your membership; once your Membership has been validated, your discount will be applied. Member discounts cannot be combined with other offers.