Robert John Thornton

Robert John Thornton was an outstanding British physician and botanist, but is best known for his monumental work "The Temple of Flora" or "The New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus Linnaeus" published between 1799 and 1799 was published in 1807. Thornton dedicated his life to science and art, viewing the beauty of nature through the lens of botany. His passion for botany was inspired by the works of Linnaeus, and he aimed to immortalize his system of plant classification through exquisite illustrations.

Thornton's "The Temple of Flora" is considered one of the most ambitious and extraordinary botanical works of all time. It is characterized by its stunning, large-scale panels depicting a variety of plants in dramatic and often poetic landscapes. Despite the financial ruin that this project meant for Thornton, as he poured his entire fortune into producing the work, The Temple of Flora remains an unparalleled testament to his dedication and artistic genius. The quality and attention to detail of the illustrations have lost none of their fascination to this day and continue to inspire artists and botanists worldwide.

Interesting fact:

Perhaps less known is that Thornton originally studied medicine and practiced medicine before discovering his passion for botany. His medical background influenced his approach to botanical illustration, placing particular emphasis on the accuracy and detail of plant depictions. He also held a lottery to secure funding for The Temple of Flora, a venture that ultimately failed and left him financially ruined.

Significant Artworks & Images by Robert John Thornton:

1. The Night-Blowing Cereus (1799)
2. The Blue Passion Flower (1800)
3. The Dragon Arum (1801)
4. The Rose (1799)
5. The Quadrangular Passion Flower (1804)
6. The Oblique-Leaved Begonia (1805)
7. The Winged Passion Flower (1802)
8. The Large Flowering Sensitive Plant (1800)
9. The Bulbous Crowfoot (1802)
10. The Superb Lily (1807)