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Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis
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Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis
Lychee tree, Litchi chinensis.. Handcolored stipple copperplate engraving by Barrois from a botanical illustration by Pancrace Bessa from Mordant de Launays Herbier General de l Amateur, Audot, Paris, 1820
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Media ID 14206541
© Florilegius / Mary Evans
Botanicalillustration Herbiergeneraldelamateur Mordantdelaunay Pancracebessa Stipple
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "Lychee Tree, Litchi chinensis: A Historical Botanical Portrayal of a Tropical Delicacy" 2.. This exquisite handcolored stipple copperplate engraving, created by Barrois from a botanical illustration by Pancrace Bessa, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of the lychee tree, Litchi chinensis, as it appeared in the early 19th century. The image is taken from Mordant de Launay's Herbier General de l'Amateur, published in Paris in 1820. The lychee tree is an iconic symbol of tropical gardens and is native to southern China. This engraving showcases the tree in all its glory, with its delicate, heart-shaped leaves and clusters of small, pink flowers. The tree's most prized feature, however, is the intriguing, round, red-skinned fruit, which is encased in a hard, inedible outer shell. The botanical illustration and engraving process was a labor-intensive endeavor, requiring immense patience and skill. The artist, Pancrace Bessa, meticulously studied the lychee tree and its fruit to create an accurate and detailed representation. The engraving by Barrois further enhanced the image's beauty by adding delicate shading and texture through the stipple technique. The lychee tree has a rich history, with records of its cultivation dating back over 2,000 years. It was highly valued in ancient China for its unique flavor and was considered a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Today, the lychee remains a beloved fruit in many parts of Asia and beyond, and its allure continues to captivate gardeners, botanists, and food enthusiasts alike. This stunning botanical engraving serves as a testament to the beauty and intrigue of the natural world, as well as the dedication and artistry of the botanical illustrators and engravers of the past. It invites us to appreciate the history, culture, and natural wonder of the lychee tree and its enchanting fruit.
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