William Curtis Shrubby Chironia Frutescens, Sowerby engraving c1788.

$125.00

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)