ROBERT JOHN THORNTON - The Sacred Egyptian Bean

THE ARTWORK

The Sacred Egyptian Bean is one of the most striking illustrations from Robert John Thornton’s The Temple of Flora (1799–1807). The print showcases the lotus flower, known scientifically as Nymphaea caerulea, revered in ancient Egyptian culture as a symbol of creation, rebirth, and the sun.

Thornton’s depiction of the Sacred Egyptian Bean is both scientifically detailed and artistically dramatic. The flower, with its large, radiant petals, is set against a mysterious, almost mystical backdrop featuring pyramids and an expansive sky, evoking the grandeur of ancient Egypt. The composition blends botanical precision with romanticized imagery, capturing the lotus in full bloom while alluding to its cultural and spiritual significance.

THE ARTIST

Robert John Thornton (1768–1837) was an English physician and botanical illustrator, best known for his ambitious and extravagant project, The Temple of Flora. Born into a family of doctors, Thornton initially pursued a career in medicine, studying at the University of Cambridge and later at the University of Edinburgh. However, his passion for botany eventually led him to devote his life to the study and artistic representation of plants.

The Temple of Flora, published between 1799 and 1807, is the most celebrated part of his larger work, New Illustration of the Sexual System of Linnaeus. This series of botanical illustrations aimed to glorify the system of plant classification developed by Carl Linnaeus. Thornton's work was distinctive for its large, dramatic plates, which combined botanical accuracy with romanticized backgrounds, creating a unique blend of science and art. The illustrations were accompanied by poetic and scientific text, reflecting the Enlightenment ideals of the time.

Despite its artistic success, The Temple of Flora was a financial disaster, contributing to Thornton’s financial ruin. Nonetheless, his work is regarded as a masterpiece of botanical illustration, influencing both scientific and artistic communities. Today, The Temple of Flora remains highly valued for its beauty and historical significance.

THE PRINT

• A4 Size = 29.7cm x 21cm = 11.7" x 8.25"
• A3 Size = 42cm x 29.7cm = 16.5" x 11.7"
• High resolution giclée print - 600dpi
• Printed to order
• Unframed & unmounted
• Professionally printed using Canon imagePROGRAF printers
• Digitally restored by OharaPrints from high resolution scans of the original artwork
• Made in and shipped from Casterton, Victoria, Australia

PAPER

• Canson Infinity - Arches BFK Rives White
• Paper weight = 310gsm
• 100% cotton
• Archival, museum grade
• Acid free
• No OBAs (optical brightening agents)

Arches BFK Rives is a high-quality, archival-grade paper manufactured at the Arches paper mill in France - one of the oldest papermakers in Europe. It is made from 100% cotton rag using a time-honoured manufacturing process, giving the paper exceptional durability, longevity, and resistance to yellowing or deterioration over time. Despite its substantial weight and thickness it maintains a very soft and supple feel. The paper has a natural white tone and is completely free of any optical brighteners (OBAs), allowing for superb colour rendition and deep blacks.

INK

• Canon Lucia Pro Inks
• Pigment based
• Archival, museum-grade
• Brilliant colours, even gradient and razor-sharp lines
• Highly stable and fade resistant, excellent humidity-fastness

SHIPPING & HANDLING

• All orders are dispatched on the NEXT BUSINESS DAY after receiving the order
• All prints are shipped via AUSTRALIA POST with TRACKING
• For postage rates and estimated delivery times please see our SHIPPING page
• All prints are shipped flat, not rolled
• Each print is individually placed into a resealable, archival grade plastic protective sleeve
• Prints are carefully packaged in very sturdy 700gsm cardboard envelopes, along with 1050gsm boxboard sheets which provide extra strength & rigidity to prevent bending or folding during transit