Rose antique print, Cistus Incanus, Rose Cistus. c1790.

by Curtis, William

William Curtis Hoary Rose, Rock Rose, Sun Rose..."by any other name would smell as sweet".

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving drawn and engraved by James Sowerby for The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed by William Curtis, published in London circa 1790. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

In 1787 when he was Praefectus Hortis (Horticultural Manager) of Chelsea Physic Garden in London, William Curtis (1746-1799) began publication of The Botanical Magazine “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. Illustrating botanical specimens from around the world, this publication has been published continuously for over 230 years. It is now known as “The Kew Magazine”.

Beautifully engraved and hand-coloured, this antique print is in fine condition - with the added bonus of the original text. Size of page is approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).