Saccolabium Violaceum: Fitch, c.1865

Title: Saccolabium Violaceum Author: Walter Hood Fitch Date: c.1865 Condition: Excellent Inches: 11 1/8  x 15 1/2  [Image] Centimeters: 28.25 x 39.37 [Image] Product ID: 308440 Saccolabium violaceum is an orchid species historically placed in the genus Saccolabium but is now recognized as a synonym of Rhynchostylis gigantea subsp. violacea in modern taxonomy. This reclassification aligns with updated orchid nomenclature, so most contemporary references will list it under the genus Rhynchostylis. Background on Creator Walter Hood Fitch (1817-1892) was born in Glasgow, Scotland. From a young age, he demonstrated artistic talent and began formal training as a pattern drawer at a textile mill by the age of 13. This early apprenticeship, which involved creating intricate designs for calico fabric and mastering the complex process of engraving and color matching, laid the technical foundation for his later work as a botanical illustrator. Fitch’s career in botanical art began a