Curtis antique hand-colored botanical engraving. Purple Indigo Plant c1834

by Hooker, William Jackson

Antique print of the pretty Pink and Purple Indigo Plant. Curtis engraving c1834.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving by Swan after a drawing by the eminent botanical illustrator (Sir) William Jackson Hooker. Published in London by Samuel Curtis for Curtis's "Botanical Magazine" circa 1834.

Publication of "The Botanical Magazine" was begun in 1787 by William Curtis (1746-1799) Praefectus Hortis of Chelsea Physic Garden in London, “in response.. to solicitations for a work... (combining) Botany and Gardening”. It illustrated botanical specimens from around the world, and has been published continuously for over 222 years, - now as “The Kew Magazine”. Illustrations for "The Botanical Magazine" have been revered for their scientific accuracy, and the natural pigments used in the early engravings have survived over two hundred years, ensuring their beauty endures today.

Engraved plate size is 23 x 14cm (9 x 5.5 inches). External mount size is 33 x 25cm (13 x 10 inches)