William Curtis Spring Crocus, Crocus Vernus antique print 1787.

by William Curtis

Exquisite Spring Crocus with bulb. Fine hand-coloured engraving.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London circa 1787. 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 nearly 240 years - now as Kew Magazine.

Finely engraved and hand-colored, this original print is gorgeous despite the soiling spots. Size of page is approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).