Botany · 19th century
€ 340
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
to Excellent, given age. Vertical fold as published, but not disturbing. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. English text on the reverse. Please study scan carefully.
This colorful engraving titled *The Battle of Flowers at Cannes* was published in the *Illustrated London News* on March 6, 1886. It depicts a lively event during the festival in Cannes, a coastal town in France. The "Battle of Flowers" was a popular carnival tradition where participants, often in carriages, would throw flowers at each other in a joyful celebration of spring and prosperity.
The technique used is color wood engraving, common in 19th-century illustrations, and gives a detailed and vibrant depiction of the festive atmosphere. Participants are shown wearing elegant attire, symbolizing the luxurious lifestyle of the Riviera at that time, with palm trees in the background hinting at the Mediterranean setting. The event captured in this engraving reflects the indulgence and spirit of the upper class, contributing to the allure of the Côte d'Azur as a fashionable destination.
