Richard Thomas Lowe, an unknown Botanical Illustrator

Abstract

Illustration is undoubtedly part of botanical history. In the early 19 th century, as botanical Latin yielded more accurate descriptions, the need for illustration in scientific publications decreased. Nevertheless, advances in printing processes boosted the production of illustrated botanical periodicals at accessible costs. Therefore, coloured depictions of plants never ceased to be part of botany at all levels. Richard Thomas Lowe (1802-1874) studied the flora of Madeira from 1826, when he first visited the island, to his death. He is well known as the author of Madeira's first comprehensive Flora, but his work as a botanical illustrator is poorly known. We analysed the graphic production related to his first major paper, published in 1831, along with written documents, which, altogether, support a more complete understanding of Rev. Lowe's botanical work in Madeira and his relevant activity as an illustrator. We believe that joint analysis of illustrations and correspondence show that Lowe himself made the drawings after which the plate of the orchid Goodyera macrophylla in this paper was prepared, whose authorship was, up to now, unknown.

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES ON MARY YOUNG AND CAROLINE NORTON, ILLUSTRATORS OF MADEIRAN PLANTS FOR CURTIS'S BOTANICAL MAGAZINE IN THE 19th CENTURY

“…Lowe himself was a competent botanical illustrator (Mesquita et al ., 2020), and, in 1833, he was enthusiastic about his plans for publishing an illustrated flora of Madeira ‘—quite in embryo as yet’ (Lowe, 1833b), encouraged by the prospect of engaging Mary Young in such project: ‘She is both willing & anxious to work under my directions with a view to publication […] In fact we have already established a joint stock company’ (Lowe, 1833a). Several unpublished watercolour sketches of Madeiran plants marked “Ex Bibl.…”

“…3) is currently held in the Archives at RBGK, but it is marked ‘Ex Bibl. R.T. Lowe’, which indicates Lowe's documents as its source, probably bought after his death (Mesquita et al ., 2020). Therefore, it is safe to assume that this illustration was never sent to Hooker, despite his promise:…”

“…This set of watercolour drawings includes illustrations of all Madeiran orchids discovered before or during Lowe's lifetime. Two illustrations signed by Lowe depict Goodyera macrophylla Lowe (presented in Mesquita et al ., 2020), one unsigned illustration represents Gennaria diphylla (Link) Parl. flower details (not presented) and a last, also unsigned, depicts Neotinea maculata (Desf.)…”

The Madeiran laurel forest endemic Goodyera macrophylla (Orchidaceae) is related to American orchids

“…Rariss.". Goodyera macrophylla is a herb with creeping branching rhizomes which forms more or less dense clonal aggregates, with ovate to lanceolate or narrowly elliptic leaves up to 20 cm long and spikes with 25 to 80 flowers as illustrated in the original water-colour drawings by Lowe kept at Kew (Mesquita & al. 2020).…”