Botanical Studies / Langley Art Studio / New Release
"We ought to talk less and draw more. I personally, should like to renounce speech altogether and, like organic nature, communicate everything I have to say in sketches." Goethe, Italian Journey (London: Penquin, 1962) 9.
Inspired by Goethe's empirical approach to the study of nature, Langley Art Studio's advocates the practice of drawing as an act of understanding and a way to penetrate the outward surface appearances of things and to discover their underlying structure.
We have recently begun a suite of scientific illustrations with the aim to integrate empirical and descriptive exploration with decorative intent as inspired by Antique Botanical Studies.
The Langley watercolor renderings presented in the Botanical Studies Gallery are "in the school of" Giovanni Baptista Ferrari (1584-1655) a Jesuit Priest, the first of whose elaborately illustrated books on botanical subjects, "Flora seu de florum cultura libri IV" was published in Rome, 1638 under the patronage of Cardinal Francesco Barberini.
Ferrari's achievement balancing scientific intent with aesthetic quality is recognized as one of the most attractive of all Baroque botanical works and was the fruit of his foresight to commission a team of artists including Pietro Cortona, Guido Reni, Andrea Sacchi and Cornelis Bloemaert.
Another significant artist who worked on the copperplate engraving illustrations for Ferrari was Anna Maria Variana (active in Rome circa 1630), possibly the first woman professional botanical illustrator.
The Langley Studio renderings are an expression of artisitic consanguinity with their Roman predecessors. Langley's intention to transcribe the classical form of the original monochromatic engravings into the fluidity of watercolor painting imparts these paintings with qualities of vitality and spontaneity within the simplicity and clarity of monumental iconic forms.
For all inquiries regarding purchase please contact the Langley Art Studio; v: 912 667 7683 / e: langleyart@gmail.com
