Erica Herbacea. Herbaceous Heath. William Curtis 1st edition c1787.

by William Curtis

Delicate Heath antique print. "Native of the Alps" and mountainous Germany.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's first edition of 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 almost continuously for nearly 240 years... now as Kew Magazine.

In very good condition despite tiny spots, the page (and accompanying text) is approximately 235 x 142mm (9 1/4 x 5 5/8 inches).