William Curtis Shrubby Chironia Frutescens, Sowerby engraving c1788.

by Sowerby, James

One of the earliest William Curtis antique prints.

Drawn and engraved on copper by James Sowerby for Curtis's The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London c1790. 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 - with changes in illustration method as technology changed. It is now called “The Kew Magazine”.

Beautifully engraved and hand-coloured, this antique print is in fine condition. Page size approximately 235 x 145mm (9 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches). To the intaglio impression measures 200 x 115mm (7 7/8 x 4 1/2 inches)