The Sacred Egyptian Bean from The Temple of Flora (1807) by Robert John Thornton

The Sacred Egyptian Bean — from The Temple of Flora (1807)

Lotus blooms lifted to the light. In Robert John Thornton’s sumptuous florilegium, the Sacred Egyptian Bean rises on tall stalks above broad, shield-like leaves—petals opening over calm water as a dramatic sky and distant landscape set the scene. Natural history with a touch of theatre.

Why it captivates

• Iconic lotus — symbolic flower of renewal rendered with period precision.

• Romantic staging — water, horizon, and sky turning botany into allegory.

• Lush detail — veined leaves, seed head, and petals carefully observed.

• Warm, decor-friendly palette — soft greens, creams, and antique tints.

• Print-culture landmark — a highlight from the era’s most ambitious botanical work.

• Statement artwork — serene focal point for living rooms, libraries, and studies.

What you’ll see

Tall lotus stems bearing open blossoms and seed pod, surrounded by large orbicular leaves; reflective water below and an atmospheric landscape beyond. Up close: crisp line, stipple, and tonal wash. From a step back: a calm, ceremonial tableau.

A richer historical frame

Issued in 1807, The Temple of Flora fused science, art, and allegory. Physician-publisher Robert John Thornton enlisted leading artists and engravers to place botanical specimens within dramatic settings—an Enlightenment celebration of nature elevated by romantic mood.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—great for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

659 × 841 mm (approx. 25.95 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.784 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A0 portrait (841 × 1189 mm) with a custom mat, or custom 659 × 841 mm frame

• Framing tips:

  • Classic look: cut the mat window to ~655 × 837 mm for a tidy 2–3 mm overlap.

  • Contemporary look: float-mount in an A0 frame for a generous gallery reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Botanical-art enthusiasts & gardeners

• Collectors & stylists curating elegant, heritage-rich interiors

• Romantics & classicists drawn to symbolic flora

• Educators & libraries illustrating the art–science tradition

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then checked and packed by hand so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Invite a symbol of renewal into your space—order your fine-art print of The Sacred Egyptian Bean today.