Attributed to Georg Dionysius Ehret 1708-1770

In general the colours and medium are strong and fresh. There are occasional fox marks and water stains. The majority of the sheets have cockeled. One sheet has been torn at the upper edge. However overall the works are in good condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

These designs have been attributed to Georg Dionysius Ehret. Ehret was born in Heidelberg, Germany in January 1708. He began his working life as a gardener's apprentice, sketching and drawing plants in his free time, but became one of the foremost botanical illustrators in Europe of his time. His lifelong patron, Dr. Christoph Jacob Trew (1695-1769), instructed him in botany and provided him with materials to enable him to pursue a career as an artist.

In the 1730s, Ehret travelled to Holland where he worked in collaboration with Carl Linneaus and George Clifford to produce the Hortus Cliffortianus, an early masterpiece of botanical illustrations. He learnt the technique of painting on vellum in Paris before eventually migrating to England.  Examples of his artwork can be found at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew and in the collection of the Natural History Museum. He died in London in September 1770.