Flora de Filipinas
In 1837, Fr. Manuel Blanco published his iconic botanical text Flora de Filipinas, documenting hundreds of Philippine plant species according to popular usage.
After Blanco’s death, several more editions were published, most notably the lavish 1877-83 third edition in six volumes, with over a thousand plant descriptions and 477 magnificently detailed color illustrations by Filipino and Spanish art masters. These volumes have been highly coveted by collectors of Filipiniana as well as botanical enthusiasts.
The lithographs in black and white and in color marked the zenith of botanical art in the Philippines.
The original designs were executed mainly by Filipino artists: Felix Resurreccion Hidalgo, Agustin Saez, Lorenzo Guerrero, Regino Garcia, Francisco Domingo, Cayetano Arguelles, Felix Pardo, and Juan Garcia, among others.
Displayed at San Agustin Museum are lithographs from various editions of this monumental work.