William Curtis Iris Pavonia, Peacock Iris antique print c1791.

by Edwards, Sydenham

Antique print of small delicate Peacock Iris (Pavonia). Hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Sydenham Edwards for William Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London c1792.

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 - from these earliest hand-coloured copperplate engravings. 

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