Winter: Christmas Cactus

5/12/2023

Christmas Cactus (1884) by Christian Möllback (Danish, 1853–1921)

As the seasons change, I always change the banner on the Home Page of my Botanical Art and Artists website and on its associated Facebook Page.

However, I ALWAYS struggle to find a suitable image for Winter in terms of Winter Plants which bloom. I've had rather a lot of variations on Hellebore in the past

The alternative is to dedicate Winter to Latin America, South African and Australasian blooms - but I'm much less familiar with blooming seasons for such plants and would very much appreciate recommendations of artwork which might be suitable for next year. I started off thinking maybe a Banksia this year - but then got distracted by Christmas Cactus!

Or rather this painting of a Christmas Cactus by a 19th century Danish artist called Christian Juel-Frijs Möllback (1853-1921) who appears to be relatively unknown despite selling well on the auction market. Sotheby's valued it at between £15-20k when it had it as a sale lot.

I started off searching using Latin names (Schlumbergera truncata and variations on Epiphyllum) , which is normally a good way to track down botanical illustrations - but not this time.

I then discovered that there are remarkably few botanical illustrations of a Christmas Cactus in terms of any of the recognised variations. I'm grateful to The Christmas Cactus: flowers for under "gas light" by Garden History Girl for a potted history and illustrations which are available - and I can do no better than recommend you read her blog post to find out more about them.

Might I suggest that any botanical artists with an eye to sales might want to think seriously about creating paintings of Christmas Cacti before next Christmas!

NOTE: I've been very quiet on this blog (and website) of late.
Many of you are aware that my mother died last year (see The real woman behind this website) and I've been very much occupied of late with the sale of her bungalow and final disposal of her effects - and trying to find room in my home for some of her furniture which have sentimental value. This has necessitated some radical decluttering - and reorganisation of my home which is taking some time....
However there's going to be a bonanza of book reviews coming up!
So long as I don't get distracted looking at all the very many years of her RHS Diaries - with lots of botanical illustrations from the archives! ;)

6 Comments

Pat Allen link

5/12/2023 02:22:57 pm

I total understand. Take as much time as you need to care for your mom. We, too, have pieces from both sides of our family that are now showcased in our home. These pieces bring calmness to our hearts whenever we see them. They are powerful reminders of our loved ones.

Botanical Art and Artists link

13/12/2023 05:26:25 pm

Well said and very true!

Odile

6/12/2023 12:25:34 am

Re: plants blooking around the Christmas/December time
In Western Australia, we have the Moodjar or Christmas tree (Nuytsia floribunda), the largest mistletoe in the word and a spectacular sight of large orange blooms. See botanical art of this species at: https://nikulinsky.com.au/collections/cape-arid/products/nuytsia-floribunda
There is also the Red-flowering gum (Eucalyptus ficifolia) which is just starting, whle the Mottlecah or Eucalyptus macrocarpa is finishing about now.
Hope this helps for next year!

13/12/2023 05:25:24 pm

Many thanks for the suggestions

Jackie Rodríguez de Guzmán

6/12/2023 05:21:59 am

Hello Katherine, what a beautiful story that of your mom, for sure she will keep inspiring you, as a nature lover and ilustrator, I also had my grandfather who introduces me in watercolor, and he was a rose cultivator too, I live in Perú and maybe you can post some peruvian orchids for next year, I would be pleased to collaborate.

Best Wishes,
Jackie

Deborah Devauden link

30/1/2024 07:24:14 pm

A very sad time for you. I've just cleared out my parents flat. Mum died a few years ago and Dad now gone into a care home.
I have kept all my mother's RHS diaries, a good source of inspiration and lovely to look back at what she was doing . There is nothing wrong with sentiment.
Hope all goes well with you and keep up the fantastic information you give to all us botanical artists. Thank you for such a good read.

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