William Curtis Antirrhinum sparteum. Branching Toad-Flax antique print c1792.

by William Curtis

Fine hand-coloured engraving. From Spain, introduced to England in 1772. "...elegant and lively appearance which this plant affumes when it grows in a tuft.."

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving published in London c1792 for the first edition of William Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed .

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 known as Kew Magazine. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty. 

William Curtis botanical print in fine condition. Page size, approximately 240 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).