William Curtis Agrostemma Coronaria, Rose Cockle or Campion c1787.

by William Curtis

William Curtis first edition. Antique hand-colored botanical print.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving, drawn and engraved by James Sowerby c1789, for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed. 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 over 2 centuries - now as Kew Magazine. Over this period the method of illustration changed with the times. The earliest illustrations were exquisitely engraved on copperplates and each print was individually hand-coloured with natural ochres.

This page has an indentation towards centre top and slight soiling at bottom left... not surprising when nearly 240 years old.

Size of page is approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).