Australian Epacris pungens. Rigid Epacris Curtis botanical plate 844 c1805

by Edwards, Sydenham

Antique print of Australian Epacris pungens (Rigid Epacris) found in New South Wales c1805. Very pretty Australian native bush. Accompanying text stated "Though this species frequently occurs among dried specimens sent from New South Wales.. seems equally hardy with others from the neighbourhood of Port-Jackson.

Finely engraved and hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Francis Sansom after eminent Welsh natural history draughtsman who specialized in botanical illustration, Sydenham Edwards (1768-1819) for Curtis’s Botanical Magazine published in London by T. Curtis circa 1805. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

Previously horticultural director and demonstrator at Chelsea Physic Garden in London, apothecary-horticulturist William Curtis (1746-1799) established his own botanic garden at Lambeth in London and began publishing The Botanical Magazine in 1787, “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. Now The Kew Magazine (published at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew since 1841), and still illustrating botanical specimens received in London from around the world, this is the world's oldest continuously published illustrated magazine.

Size of page 230 x 150mm (9 x 6 inches). This lovely Australian Heath is mounted in antique white ragmat conservation board with green bevel-edged window, and covered with cellophane for presentation and protection until framed. Frame window (external mount) measures 215 x 135mm (8 1/2 x 5 1/4 inches). (Antique print only is $150. Please request price adjustment prior to your payment,)