Alexander Marshal (c. 1620-82)
Mourning iris, germander speedwell, broad-bodied chaser dragonfly, turban ranunculus (double form), flesh fly, honeywort, and bigroot cranesbill c. 1650-82
RCIN 924325
The mourning iris was introduced to England around 1570 from western Asia. In addition to his love of flowers, Marshal was also a keen entomologist and owned a large collection of insect specimens. The dragonfly and flesh fly on this sheet are depicted in great detail and with evident knowledge of insect anatomy.
