William Curtis Lilium Bulbiferum, Orange Lily. Exquisite engraving c1788.

by William Curtis

William Curtis Lily, hand-coloured 18th century antique print.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving, drawn and engraved by James Sowerby for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London in 1790. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

In 1787 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 as Kew Magazine.

Beautifully engraved and hand-coloured, this antique print is in fine condition - with the added bonus of the original text. Size of page is approximately 240 x 140mm (9 1/2 x 5 1/2/ inches). To the intaglio impression measures 200 x 115mm (7 7/8 x 4 1/2 inches)