William Curtis Hellebore Niger (Black Hellebore), Christmas Rose c1786.

by Curtis, William

Pink-tinged petalled White Rose with black roots c1786. The pink becomes darker as the bloom ages. "Black Hellebore grown wild on the Appenine and other mountains, preferring such as are rocky."

One of the earliest illustrations for William Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London c1786. 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. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

This finely engraved illustration has a very faint diagonal crease towards top of page and has been reduced in price appropriately. The accompanying text for this plate is also available. Size of page is approximately 240 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).