May, from Twelve Months of Flowers n.d.

This hand-colored engraving, "May", is from a larger series, *Twelve Months of Flowers*, by English artist Henry Fletcher. The work depicts a cornucopia of vibrantly colored blossoms in a silver vase on a stone ledge. The flowers are depicted in a realistic and detailed manner, typical of botanical illustrations of the time. This image, now at the Art Institute of Chicago, would have been a popular choice for home decor during the 18th century.