Sprekelia formosissima (L.) Herb

Brown possibly painted this and his other plant subjects in the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew. His patron, Lord Bute (1713-92), advised Princess Augusta on the development of Kew, and in 1784 Brown became botanical painter to George, Prince of Wales (the future George IV). Brown’s drawings are similar in presentation to those of the renowned botanical artist Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-70), under whom he may have studied. Ehret was a successful botanical artist who at times supported himself by teaching.

This image is painted on vellum. Professional botanical illustrators in the 18th century often preferred vellum to paper. Its smooth surface enabled them to paint very fine detail. It also helped to give a sheen to the painting of leaves and petals. The Aztec Lily was native to Central America.