Ricinus Communis, or Common Palma Christi (1799–1810)

Dated 1799–1810, "Ricinus Communis, or Common Palma Christi" is an artwork by Robert John Thornton. Historical background, 1799–1810: The eighteenth century began with the light, ornamental Rococo, especially in France, and moved towards the clarity and antique references of Neoclassicism by the end of the century. In Japan, ukiyo-e woodblock printing flourished in the Edo period and made colour prints a popular and affordable art form. Plants & Animals, a short history: Images of plants and animals are valued both for the care of their observation and for their decorative appeal. Naturalists and artists often worked together, especially on voyages and in published surveys of flora and fauna. The catalogue places it in Plants & Animals. The format is portrait.

Buying "Ricinus Communis, or Common Palma Christi" means getting a digital file, not a physical print: Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI, delivered by email once payment is confirmed. A 300 DPI file is intended for printing at home or at a local print shop, where you can choose a matte, satin, or fine-art paper to suit the room. A portrait format suits narrow wall spaces, hallways, and the area beside a door or window. Flora and fauna subjects make an interior feel softer and more alive, adding a natural rhythm that works well in both traditional and contemporary spaces. A simple frame with a mat often helps an image settle comfortably into a room. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Screens and printers render colour differently, so a small test print is a sensible way to check tones before committing to a large size.

English, 1768–1837

If you like the visual language of Robert John Thornton, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.