Birds and Bees: Edmond Julius Detmold Watercolor Illustration Style

Trained on eighteen watercolor illustrations of animals, insects and birds by the English illustrator Edward Julius Detmold (21 November 1883 Putney, Wandsworth, Surrey - 1 July 1957 Montgomery). To see his works, please go to

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/57440551@N03/albums/72157651665549072

• https://www.flickr.com/photos/25652671@N02/albums/72157665458901580

• westhampsteadlife.com/2013/08/14/the-detmold-twins-artistic-genius-and-depression/5074

Detmold's illustration style for non-nature related books are quite different, so I'll be training other LoRAs based on his other works. Even though there are no people in the training set, the LoRA can still producing quite charming watercolor illustrations of people through the magic of A.I. style transfer.

Update: here is the 2nd LoRA: Jungle Book: Edmond Julius & Charles Maurice Detmold Watercolor Book Illustration Style

From ChatGPT:

Edward Julius Detmold

Edward Julius Detmold was a British book illustrator best known for his intricate, dreamlike depictions of animals, nature, and mythology. Alongside his twin brother Edmund Joseph Detmold, he produced some of the most exquisite illustrations of the Golden Age of Illustration (late 19th–early 20th century). Edward Julius works in collaboration with his identical twin brother Charles Maurice, until Charles committed suicide in 1908).

1. Early Life & Artistic Beginnings

• Born November 21, 1883, in London.

• Raised by their uncle Dr. Edward Barton, a collector of exotic artifacts and prints, which greatly influenced the twins' artistic style.

• The twins displayed extraordinary artistic talent as children, focusing on nature and animals.

• Their work was deeply influenced by Japanese woodblock prints (Ukiyo-e), Persian miniatures, Art Nouveau, and Albrecht Dürer’s engravings.

2. Artistic Style & Influences

🔹 Scientific Precision Meets Dreamlike Beauty

• Edward’s illustrations were highly detailed and meticulously crafted, blending realism with an ethereal, almost mystical quality.

• Strong influence from Japonisme, seen in his delicate use of color, composition, and stylization.

• Unlike other illustrators of the time (such as Arthur Rackham), Detmold focused more on animals and natural forms rather than human figures.

🔹 Comparison to Other Artists:

• Albrecht Dürer → Similar fine-line detailing and naturalistic approach.

• Japanese artists like Hokusai → Use of delicate composition and color harmony.

• Arthur Rackham & Kay Nielsen → Shared the Art Nouveau aesthetic, but Detmold had a stronger focus on animals.

3. Key Works & Contributions

✅ 1899 – First Public Exhibition (Age 16)

• The twins’ artwork was displayed at the Royal Academy, gaining early recognition.

✅ 1903 – "Pictures from Birdland"

• A beautifully illustrated book featuring detailed, dreamlike bird illustrations.

✅ 1909 – "The Fables of Æsop"

• Considered one of the greatest illustrated editions of Æsop’s Fables.

• Featured 25 exquisite color plates, blending scientific accuracy with fantasy.

4. Legacy & Influence

💡 Why His Work Still Matters:

• Even though his career was short-lived, Edward Detmold’s work remains a pinnacle of early 20th-century illustration.

• His naturalistic yet fantastical approach influenced later wildlife artists, fantasy illustrators, and decorative arts.

• "The Fables of Æsop" is still considered one of the most beautifully illustrated books of all time.

5. Where to See His Work Today

📖 Rare Books & Auctions – His works are highly collectible, especially first editions of "The Fables of Æsop".
🏛️ Museums & Archives – Some of his originals are housed in British museums and private collections.
🌐 Online Public Domain Archives – Many of his illustrations can be found for free in digital collections.