Franz (Francis) Andreas Bauer (1758-1840)
Strelitzia reginae, c.1820.
Watercolour on paper, 527 x 357 mm.

At the end of the eighteenth century Franz Bauer had an unique opportunity to draw exotic flowers that had just been brought to England from around the world.

Carefully nurtured at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, in England these plants created great scientific interest and much curiosity from botanists. Fabulous and colourful plants such as the Golden Bird of Paradise, Strelitizia reginae stimulated particular excitement, and was drawn in exquisite detail by Franz Bauer.

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