Half-Price Australian Hovea purpurea. Purple-flowered Hovea, Maund botanical engraving c1836

by Maund, Benjamin

Delicate antique print of Australian blue-flowered, Hovea purpurea, c1837. The uncoloured flower details and plant structure add a wonderful dimension to this fine engraving.

Original hand-coloured steel engraving by Miss Taylor for The Botanist published in London circa 1837 by pharmacist, botanist, printer, bookseller and fellow of the Linnean Society (1827), Benjamin Maund (1790-1863), assisted by Reverend Henslow, Dean of Botany at Cambridge. The artists and engravers Maund employed were responsible for the popularity of the fine illustrations in Maund's botanical publications. Both of Maund's daughters were botanical artists.

(Australian connection: One of Benjamin's daughters accompanied Benjamin's son, Dr. John Maund who migrated to Australia in 1853 to benefit from a healthier climate. Intending to further his studies in analytical chemistry, John Maund set up a medical practice in Melbourne after witnessing passengers' illnesses on the journey to Australia. He was known for his kindness and gentle manner.)

Plate size 195 x 145mm (7.1/2 x 5.3/4 inches)  Unfortunately the clarity of this beautiful engraving is affected by text offsetting from the facing page; and there is a little soiling at left. It is still a very beautiful work. Price reduced.