Strawberry of Versailles. 18thC William Curtis Fragaria engraving c1788.

by Curtis, William

William Curtis 1st Edition hand-colored Strawberries antique print. Fragaria monophylla, One-leaved Strawberry, or Strawberry of Versailles.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London c.1788. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty. As with other 18th century artwork this engraving was printed on hand-made paper and hand-coloured with natural ochres.

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 over 230 years. It is now known as “The Kew Magazine”.

Exquisitely engraved, this antique print is in fine condition - with original text (unfortunately text has rear conservation-repair of small tear at top). Size approx. 240 x 140mm (9 1/2 x 5 1/2/ inches). To plate mark: 200 x 115mm (7 7/8 x 4 1/2 inches)