William Curtis Spring Crocus, Crocus Vernus antique print 1787.

by Curtis, William

William Curtis Crocus Vernus. Sprint Crocus hand-coloured antique print c1789.

Original hand-coloured copperplate engraving for William Curtis's first edition of The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed published in London circa 1789. 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”.

Exquisitely engraved and hand-coloured, this page in fine condition except for few foxing spots. Size of page is approximately 235 x 140mm (9 1/4 x 5 1/2 inches).