Australian Epacris nivalis. Snowy Epacris, Maund botanical engraving c1836

$55.00

Fine hand-coloured antique engraving of Australian native Epacris. The uncoloured flower details and plant structure add a wonderful dimension to this fine engraving. It is unfortunate that the clarity of this beautiful work is depreciated by the offsetting from text on the facing page, and slight foxing towards the base.

Beautiful original hand-coloured steel engraving by "Flower Painter in Ordinary to Queen Adelaide" Mrs August 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". Benjamin Maund took great care in the accuracy of his botanical illustrations, and the quality of the work of Maund artists and engravers was responsible for the fine reputation of Maund's botanical publications.

As with many of Maund's illustrations, the paper is so fine it has faintly taken up the printing ink from the opposite page. It is also slightly soiled. price reduced. Plate size 195mm x 145mm (7.1/2" x 5.3/4")