WILLIAM SHARP - Intermediate Stages of Bloom

THE ARTWORK

"Intermediate Stages of Bloom" is an illustration by William Sharp for "Victoria Regia; or, The Great Water Lily of America", a seminal work authored by John Fisk Allen and published in Boston in 1854. The book is dedicated to the botanical wonder Victoria Regia (renamed Victoria Amazonica in 1901), also known as the Giant Water Lily or Victoria Water Lily, native to the Amazon River basin in South America.

The publication serves as a comprehensive study of Victoria Amazonica, offering detailed descriptions of its morphology, habitat, and cultural significance, accompanied by striking illustrations. These illustrations, by William Sharp, showcase the grandeur and intricacy of the plant, capturing its immense leaves, delicate flowers, and remarkable features.

Victoria Amazonica holds the record for the largest water lily pad in the world, with leaves that can grow up to 3 metres (10 feet) in diameter and support weights of up to 113 kg (250 pounds).

THE ARTIST

William Sharp (1749–1824) was a celebrated English engraver renowned for his exquisite natural history illustrations. Born in London, Sharp displayed a talent for engraving from a young age and apprenticed under the esteemed engraver Robert Sayer. His mastery quickly garnered attention, and he became known for his intricate and precise depictions of birds, animals, plants, and landscapes. Sharp's work graced numerous scientific publications and botanical books of his era, contributing significantly to the understanding and appreciation of the natural world. His engravings were characterized by their attention to detail, accuracy, and artistic flair, earning him widespread acclaim among both scholars and art enthusiasts. Beyond his technical skill, Sharp's ability to capture the essence and beauty of nature set him apart as a leading figure in natural history illustration during the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

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