framed 1970 reprint of Robert Furber's "Twelve Months of Flowers," originally published in 1730. This piece is a botanical illustration featuring a diverse arrangement of flowers, each representing a different month of the year. The flowers are depicted in a naturalistic style, showcasing their varied colors, shapes, and textures. The arrangement is presented in a vase-like structure held by cherubs, and below the floral display is a calendar-like grid, likely indicating the months each flower corresponds to. The print is framed with a double border, an inner light-colored border and an outer dark wood frame, typical of the style used for prints and artwork from the mid-20th century onwards. Robert Furber's original work was significant for its time, as it allowed subscribers to order flowers year-round by referencing the plates in the catalog, a novel concept in the 18th century. The 1970 reprint likely aimed to reproduce the detail and artistry of the original work, making it accessible to a new audience.

Key details about the artwork and its context:

• Purpose:

• Robert Furber, a nurseryman, created this series as a sales catalog, allowing customers to identify and order flowers based on their blooming season. It is considered the first commercial seed catalog of its time. 

• Content:

• Each print features a bouquet of flowers that bloom in a specific month, arranged in a vase or urn. The flowers are numbered and captioned, facilitating easy ordering. 

• Historical Significance:

• Before photography, botanical illustrations like these were crucial for documenting and identifying plant species. 

• Variations:

• The series includes different versions, some with hand-coloring and various framing styles. The print in the image appears to be a later reproduction, possibly from the 20th century, given the style of the frame and paper. 

• Please look at all the photos as part of the description