About the Illustrations

Modern technology can create a 'picture-perfect’ photo of flowers and plants with just a few clicks. However, in doing so, many are likely to miss the significance of the centuries-old tradition of botanical illustration.

Over the centuries, botanical illustration is a significant aspect in the discovery of novel species of plants. Researchers, scientists, students, curators, collectors, and even plant enthusiasts not only appreciate but depend on these hand-drawn illustrations, paintings, and other conventional plant renderings for reference.

It has since become a mode of communication for scientific publications as well as in museum exhibitions. Thus, the birth of these significant displays of talent of our Filipino artists. This exhibition aims to highlight the integral role of botanical artists in the documentation of plant species and to recognize their skills and technical knowledge in providing references for our scientific endeavor through the years.

The Evolution of Botanical Illustration exhibition highlights works of artists from the 18th century up to the present. This virtual exhibition displays works of the following artists:

1700s

1800s

1900s

2000s

Jose Loden, Tomas Nazario, and Miguel de los Reyes as commissioned by the Spanish botanist Juan de Cuéllar during his scientific botanical expedition in Luzon from 1786-1801. The original works are with the Real Jardín Botaníco in Spain.

Fr. Manuel Blanco, a Spanish friar and botanist, is the author of six volumes of Flora de Filipinas. The book contains massive treasures of botanical plates done by 17 artists wherein 12 are Filipinos including National Artist Felix Resureccion Hidalgo.

Former National Museum of the Philippines’ illustrators including Ruben Manalang, Ver Reyes, Nemencio Diego Jr., Aurora Magpayo, and Oscar Yambao whose works were published in books and journals.

Present Botany and National Herbarium Division’s researchers and illustrators with their illustrations and line drawings of newly-described species.

With the ever-changing technology and innovations in the coming years, techniques on how to illustrate botanical specimens will continue to evolve but the valuable fusion of art and science will transcend through time.