Two Orchids, Brassia Lanceana, Cattleya Labiata
William Jacob Hays
American Art
Hays made regular sketching excursions to the American forests and frontier, but he did not have to travel far to find the exotic specimens depicted here since orchids were cultivated in greenhouses in his hometown, New York City. The artist began with pencil drawings—still visible in some areas—and then completed the plant forms in oil paint. These studies were among many he made in preparation for his large, highly detailed painting Bouquet of Orchids, 1871 (Private collection).
MEDIUM
Oil and graphite on canvas
DATES
1869
DIMENSIONS
12 3/8 x 7 5/8 in. (31.4 x 19.4 cm)
Framed: 13 x 8 1/4 in. (33 x 21 cm)
INSCRIPTIONS
Inscribed upper center: "Epidendrum" (crossed out); inscribed below top center: "Brasia / Lancianum"; inscribed left center: "Cattleya labiata / Caracas"
ACCESSION NUMBER
85.121.1
CREDIT LINE
Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Leonard L. Milberg
MUSEUM LOCATION
This item is not on view
RECORD COMPLETENESS
Not every record you will find here is complete. More information is available for some works than for others, and some entries have been updated more recently. Records are frequently reviewed and revised, and
we welcome any additional information you might have.