W.Curtis hand-colored engraving, Large-Flowered St John's Wort. c1791

by William Curtis

William Curtis Hypericum Calycinum, Large-Flowered St John's Wort from Turkey.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving c1791 for The Botanical Magazine by William Curtis. Work for The Botanical Magazine began in 1786 by William Curtis “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. William Curtis (1746-1799) was Praefectus Hortis (Horticultural Manager) of Chelsea Physic Garden when he began publication of this landmark work illustrating botany from around the world.

Curtis's Botanical Magazine is the longest-running illustrated periodical in the world. Still in publication today, nearly 240 years later, it is now known as Kew Magazine. William Curtis was responsible for extending education to the public - rather than just publishing for other botanists.

In excellent condition, the page size is 235 x 140 cm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches). To the plate mark measures 200 x 120mm (7 7/8 x 4 3/4 inches).