Marica Northiana by H.G. Moon

Henry George Moon (1857-1905) was an English landscape and botanical painter known for his exquisite orchid paintings. Born on February 18, 1857, in Barnet, Hertfordshire, and passing away on October 6, 1905, in St Albans, Hertfordshire, Moon left an indelible mark on the world of botanical art. Moon’s artistic journey began with formal schooling at Dr. Bell’s in Barnet, followed by enrollment at the Birkbeck and Saint Martin’s schools of art. Initially, he worked as a legal clerk, intending to become a barrister. However, his passion for art led him to join the art team of “The Garden,” a fashionable horticultural journal. Moon’s talent blossomed, and he became the primary creator of the magazine’s colored plates. His interest extended beyond horticulture, and he delved into landscape painting. Moon’s artistic sensibilities were greatly influenced by his companion, American painter William Edward Norton. His collaboration with “The English Flower Garden,” “Wild Garden,” and “Flora and Silva” further showcased his versatility. In 1884, Moon visited St Albans to make drawings for “The English Flower Garden,” published by William Robinson. It was during this time that Frederick Sander, an orchid nursery owner, approached him. Sander proposed illustrating “Reichenbachia,” a monthly publication dedicated to orchids, named in honor of Heinrich Gustav Reichenbach, the renowned orchidologist from Hamburg. Moon dedicated four years of his life to painting most of the plates for “Reichenbachia,” overseeing the intricate printing process by hand. In 1892, Moon settled permanently in St Albans, marrying Sander’s daughter. He continued to produce paintings for Sander and other publications. His frequent excursions into the countryside allowed him to capture the beauty of nature on canvas. Moon’s health suffered due to the demands placed on him, both artistically and personally. Despite his relatively young age of forty-eight, his legacy endures in the realms of botanical art and orchid culture. He left behind a grieving family, the firm of Sander, and a rich body of work that celebrates the delicate beauty of orchids and the natural world.