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Robert John Thornton Collection

Robert John Thornton was a British artist and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of plant taxonomy

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Plant sex system by Linnaeus, 1807

Plant sex system by Linnaeus, 1807
Plant sex system by Linnaeus. This diagram, laying out the sexual classification of plants devised by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Blue Passion-flower, 1799-1807. Creator: Robert John Thornton (British, 1768-1837)

The Blue Passion-flower, 1799-1807. Creator: Robert John Thornton (British, 1768-1837)
The Blue Passion-flower, 1799-1807. In the 18th century, new engraving and etching techniques offered a variety of tonal effects that enhanced botanical prints

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Robert John Thornton

Robert John Thornton
3586084 Robert John Thornton; (add.info.: Portrait of Robert John Thornton (1768-1837) an English physician and botanical writer. Dated 19th Century.); Universal History Archive/UIG

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Large–Flowering Sensitive Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Large–Flowering Sensitive Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Quadrangular Passion Flower from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Quadrangular Passion Flower from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Snowdrops from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Snowdrops from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Superb Lily from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Superb Lily from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: American Bog Plants from The Temple of Flora (1807)

American Bog Plants from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Oblique–Leaved Begonia from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Oblique–Leaved Begonia from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Dragon Arum from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Dragon Arum from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Nodding Renealmia from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Nodding Renealmia from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: A Group of Auriculas from The Temple of Flora (1807)

A Group of Auriculas from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Hyacinths from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Hyacinths from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Indian Reed from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Indian Reed from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: A Group of Auriculas from The Temple of Flora 2 (1807)

A Group of Auriculas from The Temple of Flora 2 (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Blue Egyptian Water-Lily from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Blue Egyptian Water-Lily from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Passiflora Cerulea from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Passiflora Cerulea from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Winged Passion-Flower from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Winged Passion-Flower from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Cupid Inspiring Plants with Love from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Cupid Inspiring Plants with Love from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Pitcher Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Pitcher Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Narrow–Leaved Kalmia from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Narrow–Leaved Kalmia from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Roses from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Roses from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: A Group of Carnations from The Temple of Flora (1807)

A Group of Carnations from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The American Cowslip from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The American Cowslip from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Chinese Limodoron from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Chinese Limodoron from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Persian Cyclamen from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Persian Cyclamen from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Aloe from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Aloe from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Maggot–Bearing Stapelia from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Maggot–Bearing Stapelia from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Night–Blowing Cereus from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Night–Blowing Cereus from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Pontic Rhododendron from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Pontic Rhododendron from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Queen–Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Queen–Plant from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Tulips from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Tulips from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Sacred Egyptian Bean from The Temple of Flora (1807)

The Sacred Egyptian Bean from The Temple of Flora (1807)
Robert John Thornton

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The White Lily, 1799 (colour aquatint and mezzotint, finished in hand)

The White Lily, 1799 (colour aquatint and mezzotint, finished in hand)
985913 The White Lily, 1799 (colour aquatint and mezzotint, finished in hand) by Thornton, Robert John (1768?-1837) (after); 59x46 cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: The White Lily)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Night Blowing Cereus, 1800 (coloured engraving)

The Night Blowing Cereus, 1800 (coloured engraving)
985827 The Night Blowing Cereus, 1800 (coloured engraving) by Reinagle, Philip (1749-1833) (attr. to); 57.5x46 (folio) cm; Private Collection; (add.info.: The Night Blowing Cereus)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: The Queen, 1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint and finished by hand)

The Queen, 1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint and finished by hand)
986418 The Queen, 1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint and finished by hand) by Henderson, Peter Charles (fl.1799-d.1829) (after); 55.8x44 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: And then divine Linnaeus, c. 1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint)

And then divine Linnaeus, c. 1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint and finished by hand)
986417 And then divine Linnaeus, c.1796-1807 (colour-printed in aquatint and mezzotint and finished by hand) by Reinagle, Philip (1749-1833) (after); 55.8x44 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Robert John Thornton (litho)

Robert John Thornton (litho)
5238781 Robert John Thornton (litho) by English School, (18th century) (after); Private Collection; (add.info.: Robert John Thornton)

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Group Portrait of the President, Fellows, and Corresponding Members of the Medical

Group Portrait of the President, Fellows, and Corresponding Members of the Medical
XJF134183 Group Portrait of the President, Fellows, and Corresponding Members of the Medical Society of London, engraved by Nathan Cooper Branwhite (1775-1857), published by R

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Sabrinas Silvery Flood, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Sabrinas Silvery Flood, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Thenot Under a Fruit Tree, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Thenot Under a Fruit Tree, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Shepherd Chases Away a Wolf, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Shepherd Chases Away a Wolf, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Blasted Trees and Flattened Crops, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Blasted Trees and Flattened Crops, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Thenot and Colinet Lead Their Flocks Together, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Thenot and Colinet Lead Their Flocks Together, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Boy Returning Joyfully, with Plough and Oxen, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Boy Returning Joyfully, with Plough and Oxen, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Unyok d Heifers, Loitering Homeward, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Unyok d Heifers, Loitering Homeward, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Thenot and Colinet Eat Their Evening Meal, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Thenot and Colinet Eat Their Evening Meal, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Background imageRobert John Thornton Collection: Menalcus Watching Women Dance, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821

Menalcus Watching Women Dance, from Thorntons Pastorals of Virgil, 1821



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Robert John Thornton was a British artist and botanist who made significant contributions to the field of plant taxonomy. In 1807, he published his masterpiece, "The Temple of Flora, " which showcased his intricate illustrations and extensive knowledge of plants. One of Thornton's notable achievements was his work on the plant sex system developed by Linnaeus. This revolutionary classification system helped scientists understand the reproductive processes of various plant species. "The Blue Passion-flower" is one such mesmerizing illustration from "The Temple of Flora. " Created between 1799 and 1807, this artwork captures the delicate beauty and intricate details of this exotic flower. Thornton's attention to detail brings out its vibrant blue hues, making it truly captivating. Another remarkable creation in "The Temple of Flora" is the depiction of the Large-Flowering Sensitive Plant. Known for its unique ability to fold its leaves when touched, this illustration showcases Thornton's skill in capturing both botanical accuracy and artistic flair. In addition to these extraordinary pieces, "The Quadrangular Passion Flower" stands out with its geometrically shaped petals that form an exquisite floral composition. The precision in depicting each petal highlights Thornton's dedication to portraying nature's wonders accurately. Thornton also immortalized other enchanting flowers like "Snowdrops, " "Superb Lily, " and even American Bog Plants within his magnum opus. Each illustration transports viewers into a world filled with botanical splendor and serves as a testament to Thornton's passion for flora. Amongst these stunning depictions are lesser-known but equally fascinating plants like the Oblique-Leaved Begonia, Dragon Arum, Nodding Renealmia, Auriculas groupings, and Hyacinths – all meticulously captured by Thornton’s skilled hand. Through his meticulous illustrations featured in “The Temple of Flora, ” Robert John Thornton left behind an enduring legacy that continues to inspire botanists and art enthusiasts alike.