William Curtis Cactus. Creeping Cereus. Hand-colored botanical engraving c1787

by William Curtis

Exquisite Pink-flowered Cactus. William Curtis hand-coloured antique print.

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 continuously for nearly 240 years; now named Kew Magazine.

This fine antique botanical print, hundreds of years old, is in good condition except for a faint printer's crease towards top of page at right. Page size approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).