Wild Flowers of North America: Botanical Illustrations by Mary Vaux Walcott

Mary Vaux Walcott's classic collection of watercolors of wildflower life in the United States and Canada, published in 1925, features more than 250 exquisite reproductions. Her paintings introduced the diversity and beauty of North American plants to the general public and are now available in a single volume. Walcott's technique involved precise attention to detail, color, light, and perspective, and her art can also be appreciated as the work of a woman scientist battling the prejudices of her time.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 11 October 2022
Publisher: Prestel

A Timeless Masterpiece of Botanical Art

Mary Vaux Walcott, the renowned Audubon of botany, has graced us with a timeless masterpiece that showcases her exceptional talent and dedication to capturing the beauty of wildflowers. This classic collection, now available in a new, large single volume, features over 250 exquisite reproductions of Walcott's celebrated watercolors, showcasing the vibrant life of wildflowers across the United States of America and Canada.

Published in association with the Smithsonian Institution, this masterpiece takes us on a journey through the deep forests and meadows, where Walcott spent countless hours observing and painting the delicate petals and leaves of wildflowers. Her dedication and passion for her art are evident in every brushstroke, as she meticulously captures the shape, movement, and colors of these fleeting beauties.

Originally published in 1925, Walcott's sketches introduced the world to the diverse and breathtaking array of North American plants. The five oversized volumes that contained these sketches received immense acclaim and brought the wonders of nature to the general public. However, the essence of Walcott's artistry has been preserved in this single volume, allowing us to relish in the beauty and realism of her illustrations once again.

Walcott's technique was a testament to her precision and attention to detail. She meticulously studied the anatomy and characteristics of each wildflower, paying close attention to color, light, and perspective. Her art not only showcases the natural beauty of these plants but also serves as a testament to her remarkable scientific acumen, as she battled the prejudices of her time as a woman scientist.

Walcott was an intrepid explorer, skilled geologist, and generous benefactor to the Smithsonian Institution. At a time when women's accomplishments were often overlooked or misattributed, her contributions to botany and scientific artistry were truly remarkable. Her legacy continues to inspire and educate generations, reminding us of the importance of preserving and appreciating the natural world.

This bouquet of nature's fleeting gifts is not only a visual delight but also a lasting treasure of botanic and scientific artistry. It serves as a testament to the power of art to capture the essence of nature and inspire us to protect and preserve it for future generations. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of this masterpiece, we are reminded of the beauty and wonder that surrounds us, and the incredible contributions of women like Mary Vaux Walcott in shaping our understanding of the world.

Weight: 2262g
Dimension: 247 x 328 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783791388892