Othello Rhododendron Botanical Illustration by Louis van Houtte, 19th Century
This stunning botanical illustration features *Rhododendron maximum 'Othello'*, a variety known for its deep red, richly colored blooms.
The artwork, measuring approximately 24 x 16 cm (9.5 x 6.5 inches), is part of the celebrated "Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l'Europe," a collection by Louis van Houtte, a prominent 19th-century Belgian horticulturist. Van Houtte's botanical illustrations are renowned for their precise detail and vibrant depiction of plant species, showcasing both their beauty and botanical accuracy.
The *Rhododendron 'Othello'* depicted here is a hybrid variety recognized for its large, showy clusters of red flowers, which are highlighted against the dark green, glossy leaves typical of rhododendrons. The flowers are beautifully detailed, with deep red petals and contrasting black speckles that add to their dramatic appearance.
The term "rustique" suggests that this rhododendron variety is hardy and well-suited to outdoor cultivation, thriving in cooler climates.
The lithograph, produced using the lithography technique with original hand coloring, captures the vibrant red hues and intricate details of the flowers and foliage.
The print is well-preserved, with the colors vivid and the details sharply rendered, reflecting the high quality and careful preservation of Louis van Houtte's botanical works.
Bartele Gallery. Original antique maps, sea charts, engravings and works on paper. This is a plain text rendering of a page that is otherwise built in the browser. The catalogue index is at https://www.bartele.net/catalogue and machine readable notes are at https://www.bartele.net/llms.txt.