Skeletonized Leaves

Images from Phantom Bouquets: Two Books on the Art of Skeleton Leaves (1864) - Digitally manipulated to add a wood print effect. These skeletonized leaves were then bleached using a sensitive chemical solution of chloride or lime, dried, and mounted either upright under a glass cloche or flat in a frame. Rarely exhibited on their own, the finest phantom flowers were grouped together into nearly translucent bouquets, where any imperfections could be artfully hidden away.