Stunning William Curtis 'Dancing Ladies', Scarlet Fuchsia engraving c1789

by William Curtis

Delicate red and purple Fuchsia Coccinea antique print.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving c1789 for Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed. Illustrations for Curtis's 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 Kew Magazine.

This is a superb illustration. Unfortunately there are soiled spots and creasing. Size of page is approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).