William Curtis Nigella Damascena, Garden Fennel Flower. Engraving c1787.

by Curtis, William

William Curtis hand-coloured antique print of Fennel Flower, also Love in a Mist or Devil in a Bush c1787.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London circa 1787. Illustrations for The Botanical Magazine have always been revered - for their scientific accuracy as well as their beauty.

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.

Tricky growth, protecting it's flowers with spikes! In fine condition, the page is approximately 240 x 140mm (9 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches).