Iris Kochii From The Genus Iris

This painting by William Rickatson Dykes, titled "Iris Kochii From The Genus Iris," is a beautifully detailed botanical illustration. The artwork features a single, striking iris flower, depicted with a deep violet hue. The flower itself is shown in full bloom, alongside its characteristic long and slender leaves which are elegantly detailed, capturing their textured appearance.The iris is depicted with its petals gracefully unfurling; the upper petals arch backward slightly, while the lower petals stretch forward, each edge and vein delicately rendered. Besides the main bloom, the painting includes a stem with several buds at different stages of development, which adds a dynamic aspect to the composition, suggesting growth and the life cycle of the plant.The background of the painting is minimalistic, a plain white that highlights the iris, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on the intricate details of the plant. The name of the species, "Iris Kochii," along with the cluster of Roman numerals "XXXVI," possibly indicating this piece’s sequence or number in a series, is noted at the bottom, which is a typical feature in scientific illustrations to aid identification and classification.Overall, Dykes's work is not only scientifically accurate but also aesthetically pleasing, showcasing his skill in blending artistry with botanical precision.