I was immediately drawn to Botanical Revolutions: How Plants Changed the Course of Art by Giovanni Aloi because of its stunning cover, and I was even more amazed when I opened the book to find that the inside is just as beautiful. From the cover to the end page, the book captures the intricate and vital relationship between plants and art, revealing how plants have influenced artistic expression across time. Aloi takes us on a journey through history, from ancient cultures to Renaissance masterpieces, and even into indigenous communities' works, all while highlighting how plants have shaped the evolution of artistic movements. The lush photographs and vibrant illustrations enhance the narrative, making it a visual delight as much as an intellectual one.

What I particularly appreciate is the wide scope of this book—not only does it cover a variety of historical periods, but it also takes a global approach. Aloi doesn't limit his exploration to Western art but includes diverse pieces from all over the world, enriching the reader’s understanding of how plants have been represented in different cultures and regions. The book’s extensive range of art mediums is also fascinating, offering a tactile sense of how plant representations shift in form and texture, from intricate wood carvings to stunning botanical illustrations. My personal favorite is the walnut wood carving from Kashmir, a 19th-century piece that perfectly illustrates the artistic potential of natural materials. I can also imagine that the majority of the art included in this book would be beautiful decorative prints or pieces that could be hung on a wall at home.

This book is a wonderful resource for art history lovers, plant enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the intersection of nature and creativity. It would make an excellent gift for those with an academic interest in the arts but also a beautiful, accessible work for those who may not have a deep background in the subject but still appreciate the elegance and importance of plants in art.

One of my favourite illustrations is used as a chapter break image from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). It depicts one of Buddha’s disciples reading a scroll painted with coloured inks on Bodhi leaves. The artist has intentionally left part of the leaf unpainted, allowing the veins of the leaf to add depth and texture to the work.

Aloi explores the history of plants in art and the vital contributions of plants to our world. Plants have been admired for their beauty and roles as sources of food, medicine, shelter, and clothing.
The range of the work in this book is extensive, from images found in caves to those carved from wood and painted on leaves or canvases. From Roman Trompe l’oeil to the works of the Renaissance to Matisse, Maplethorpe and Mona Caron. Caron’s giant mural that snakes up the entire side of a building celebrates the rebellious resilience of weeds! Stunning!

In addition to acknowledging the author, I want to recognise the work of the designer in this book. I read the ebook version, but I bet the hardcopy version would be one I’d pick up and admire.

This book will be available in hardcover on March 18, 2025. Thanks to NetGalley and Getty Publications for providing me with a copy for review.

👍 Thumbs up.

Go read a book!

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