Blue Egyptian Water Lily (1807)

Robert John Thornton (1768–1837), an English physician and botanical writer, is renowned for his lavish The Temple of Flora (1799–1807), a landmark in botanical art. Originally trained for the church at Trinity College, Cambridge, Thornton was inspired by Linnaeus’s classification system and pursued medicine, specializing in urinary diseases and lecturing on medical botany at Guy’s Hospital. After inheriting wealth in 1797, he abandoned medicine to create A New Illustration of the Sexual System of Carolus von Linnaeus, with The Temple of Flora as its centerpiece, featuring 33 hand-colored plates of flowers in dramatic, romantic landscapes. Commissioning artists like Philip Reinagle and engravers like Francesco Bartolozzi, Thornton blended scientific precision with artistic splendor, aiming to outshine European botanical works. Despite its brilliance, the project’s high costs and lack of public interest bankrupted him, and he died in poverty in 1837. His legacy endures through The Temple of Flora’s exquisite illustrations and his contributions to botanical art, recognized by the Royal Society of Arts and his founding of the Royal Botanic Society in 1804. explore botanical art other botanical illustrators more concise

Frames are optional when you order your art print.

Our standard framing option is a premium moulded boxed frame, handcrafted locally in New Zealand. It features 20mm mouldings and a depth of 30mm, and is available in Natural Oak, Black, or White. Each framed print is backed with MDF and includes hanging fittings. We carefully wrap each framed print in bubble wrap and place it in a protective cardboard box for safe delivery.

Please note that A0 framed prints must be collected from our suppliers in Ponsonby or Takapuna, Auckland. We do not ship framed glass prints either within New Zealand or internationally. For more information, please refer to our FAQs.

We partner with NZ Post and Post Haste for our courier services. We are happy to offer FREE, locally tracked, and insured shipping for deliveries across New Zealand.

For additional details on our shipping and delivery rates, processing times, and delivery time frames, please see our FAQs.

Orders received daily before 12pm will be dispatched the following day. Orders received after 12pm on Friday or any Public Holidays, will be dispatched the following Monday or the next business day.

Once your order is dispatched for shipping, we will send you an email confirming your order and provide you with a tracking number.

NZ DELIVERY: *
Unframed Art Prints - FREE
Framed Art Prints - FREE
Tracked & Insured Courier
Dispatch: 2 - 3 days
Delivery: 4 - 14 days

Auckland pickup is available. If you want your print same day, please get in touch.

* Please note that we do not ship framed prints internationally and ee do not deliver to PO Boxes and rural deliveries can take a little longer

We are happy to offer a straightforward 30-day return and refund policy for our art products, including any damaged items. For detailed information about our Returns and Refunds policy, please visit the FAQs section here.

Please note that we do not provide refunds or accept returns for digital art products.

Got a query or seeking guidance? Our approachable and skilled team at Art & Realism is here to help. Feel free to reach out by phone or email—we’re eager to assist you!

P:  020 496 1555
E:  support@artandrealism.com