Night-Blooming Cereus

Midnight, full moon, a flower that lives but one night. Selenicereus grandiflorus painted by Reinagle on a Pether background, engraved by Dunkarton in mezzotint and aquatint for the Temple of Flora (1800). Dramatic nocturnal setting, midnight clock: the romantic masterpiece of botanical illustration.

Plate from the virtual exhibition Wondrous Flora (Trace Museum, 1705-1887).