Persian Iris (Iris persica) c. 1777 - 1787

This watercolor of a Persian Iris is attributed to William Kilburn, dating to the late 18th or early 19th century. The artist has used watercolor to create a detailed botanical illustration. The choice of watercolor allows for the build-up of translucent layers, capturing the delicate textures and subtle gradations of color in the flower and bulb. Notice how the artist carefully renders the unique markings on the iris petals. Kilburn's work existed in a complex relationship with the industrial revolution. He was a leading designer of textiles, and also an outspoken advocate for the rights of designers whose work was being copied by machine production. This delicate watercolor, with its painstaking detail, represents a world of hand production that was quickly disappearing. Yet, it could also serve as a template, ready for reproduction on an industrial scale. Considering the amount of labor involved in its production, this image invites us to reflect on the changing values of skill, artistry, and labor in a rapidly industrializing world.