October 9, 2015

Botanical illustrations

Opuntia robusta et al by M.E. Eaton [Mary Emily Eaton]
(1873-1964).

This site (via the Opuntiads group on Facebook) is a real rabbit hole of a time sink. Three more by Eaton:





And down the rabbit hole we go:




Many of the prints are available in large resolutions. Have a favorite botanical (or zoological) illustrations site to share? I'd love to see it. Off to look at hummingbirds now:





7 comments:

  1. What a beautiful book! I love all the hummingbird drawings but the Opuntia illustrations are impressive too. Now that's a great barrier plant to keep the neighbors at a distance!

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    1. Indeed :~) A healthy 'hedge' of prickly pear is beautiful! (Thank heaven, my neighbors are super nice folks who love gardens and gardening.)

      I saw an Opuntia in Riverside today (yes, I was cruising nurseries in 102F temps, what was I thinking) that I fell in love with -- think I'll go back for it when things have cooled down a bit...

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  2. A beautiful rabbit hole to fall into!

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    1. If it weren't for the day job, I'd probably never come up for air ;~) The intertubes never cease to amaze...

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  3. I fell in love with old botanical illustrations when Loree (Danger Garden) wrote about a 1970s Czech book that is still widely available for less than $5. Check it out here: http://www.thedangergarden.com/2012/12/decorative-cacti-book.html.

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    1. Thank you for the link! Loree's link to Amazon still works and there are 'very good' copies available for $1.99, yay [runs off to Amazon].

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    2. It's worth it! Beautiful illustrations.

      Etsy is also a good source if you want to buy some for your wall. Search for "chromolithograph."

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