Lindley, John

Handcolored lithographic additional title by M. Gauci after S. A. Drake, printed by P. Gauci. Illustration: 49 fine handcolored lithographic plates by Maxime Gauci (48) and 1 unsigned, after Sarah Anne Drake (38), J. Theodore Descourtilz (3), Robert H. Schomburgh (3), William Griffith (1), Schouten (1), Miss M. A. Mearns (1), and 2 unsigned, printed by P. Gauci (34) and 5 unsigned, one uncolored lithographic illustration.

Folio (20 7/8 x 14 1/4 in.; 532 x 363 mm). Binding: Contemporary brown morocco gilt, spine in six compartments with wide raised bands, compartments and bands decorated in gilt with second compartment lettered in gilt, covers bordered in gilt with fillets and elaborate arabesque tooling surrounding a central area outlined by arabesque tooling, upper cover with title lettered in gilt within this central area, edges gilt, moiré-patterned glazed endpapers.



Occasional light foxing, generally not affecting plates, inner hinge starting. Binding with wear to spine and edges, edges of endpapers stained.

Great Flower Books p. 114; Nissen 1205; Pritzel 5360; Stafleau & Cowan TL2 4651; W. Stearn et al, John Lindley 140 (incorrect collation)

Occasional light foxing, generally not affecting plates, inner hinge starting. Binding with wear to spine and edges, edges of endpapers stained.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

A spectacular large-scale work illustrating some of the most beautiful orchids known, selected by John Lindley, perhaps the greatest early orchidologist, drawn by Sarah Anne Drake and lithographed by Maxime Gauci.

Although John Lindley is now known as a botanist of wide accomplishments, the study of orchids had been an area of special interest to him from early in his career when he was employed by the orchid specialist William Cattley. The present monograph is dedicated to another of Lindley's patrons, the Duke of Devonshire, and Lindley includes Joseph Paxton's notes on the growing of orchids at Chatsworth.

This is one of very few large-scale works dedicated to orchids, a format which allows the beauty of these flowers to be fully explored. The plates were lithographed by Maxime Gauci ("an outstanding lithographer" [Blunt]) from the drawings of Sarah Anne Drake (1803–1857). Born in Norfolk, Drake appears to have been a a lifelong friend of the Lindleys and from about 1830 until 1847 lived in their house in Turnham Green. Under the supervision of John Lindley, she developed into an outstanding botanical artist who worked on many of Lindley's publications, but was particularly renowned for her portrayal of orchids. The images in the present work represent what is undoubtedly some of her greatest work.

According to Lindley, 46 of the 49 plates are of species that had never been illustrated. The geographical range of the plants shown is enormous, with examples from Nepal, Burma, India, Ceylon, the East Indies, Java, China, the Philippines, Mexico, Surinam, British Guyana, Demarara, Peru, Cuba, Vera Cruz, Brazil, and Madeira.