Katharine Plunket Paintings

Katharine Plunket was an Irish botanical artist and aristocrat, born on November 22, 1820, at Kilsaran House in County Louth, Ireland. She was the daughter of Thomas Plunket, 2nd Baron Plunket, and Louisa Jane Foster. Her life spanned over a century, which was quite remarkable for the era, and she lived to be 111 years old, passing away on October 14, 1932.

Plunket never married and dedicated much of her life to her botanical studies and artwork. She was particularly interested in the flora of Ireland and spent considerable time studying and illustrating plants. Her work as a botanical artist is noted for its precision and detail, contributing valuable records for the field of botany.

Despite her aristocratic background, Katharine Plunket led a relatively quiet life. She traveled extensively throughout her life, which influenced her work. Her travels to places like the Mediterranean allowed her to study a variety of plant species that were not native to her Irish homeland.

Although she was not widely known as an artist during her lifetime, Katharine Plunket's contributions to botanical art have been recognized posthumously. Her artwork primarily survives in private collections and herbaria, and some of her pieces are preserved at the National Botanic Gardens in Dublin, Ireland.

Not only is Katharine Plunket remembered for her botanical art, but also for her longevity. At the time of her death, she was the oldest verified person in Ireland and the second oldest person in the world. Her long life and dedication to her art make her a unique figure in the history of Irish art and science.