Marjorie Phillips, Little Magnolia Tree, undated. Oil on canvas board, 18 x 14 3/8 in. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. Gift of Calvin Cafritz, 2000. The Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C. ; Photo: Sarah Osborne Bender
Photos: Sarah Osborne Bender
What kind of tree is that? It’s a Magnolia soulangiana, also known as a Saucer Magnolia.
The tree is not native to the United States, but is a cross between two Chinese magnolias. Magnolia soulangiana was hybridized in 1820 in a French garden. The tree was named after the owner of the garden, Etienne Soulange-Bodin. He had been a cavalry officer in Napoleon’s army and afterward dedicated his time to his garden. Considering the just popularity of this beautiful tree in both Europe and the States, one would say his work was a success.
Ianthe Gergel, Museum Assistant
