Australian Branching Lobelia, Lobelia Ramosa. Maund botanical engraving c1840

$65.00

Antique print of Australian Lobelia Ramosa – Lobelia fulgens. Delicate original engraving with fine contempoary hand-colour.

Original hand-coloured steel engraving by  Nevitt after the drawing by botanical artist Miss Augusta Innes Withers (1793-1860), for The Botanist published in London circa 1837 by pharmacist, botanist, printer, bookseller and fellow of the Linnean Society (1827), Benjamin Maund (1790-1863), assisted by Reverend Henslow, Dean of Botany at Cambridge. Maund's noteworthy publications were the Botanic Garden and The Botanist. Maund's botanical illustrators were responsible for the fine reputation of his botanical publications.

Both of Maund's daughters were botanical artists. With the intention of pursuing his study of analytical chemistry Benjamin's son, Dr. John Maund, and one of his two daughters, migrated to Australia in 1853 to benefit from a healthier climate. John Maund set up a medical practice in Melbourne after witnessing passengers' illnesses on the journey to Australia. He was known for his kindness and gentle manner.

As with many of Maund's illustrations, the paper is fine and has absorbed the ink from oppopsite page printing. There is a little soiling at the left.These imperfections are faint and shouldn't detract from what is still a very beautiful work. Price reduced.

Plate size approximately 190 x 150mm (7.1/2 x 5.3/4 inches)