Antique Hand Colored Botanical Engraved Print Framed

Antique hand-colored botanical engraved print published by S. Curtis 1831 . Beautifully framed in a white and gold trim frame. Some loss to the gold but it adds to the character and charm of the antique art. 11.75" x 14.75"

William Curtis began publication of the Botanical Magazine in February 1787 and continued almost without interruption for 160 years. After Curtis edited the first 13 volumes, the publication continued under the editors: John Simms (1800-1826), William Jackson Hooker (1827-1865) and Joseph Dalton Hooker (1865-1904). The images were engraved and hand-coloured by many artists including Sydenham Edwards, William Graves, James Sowerby, John Curtis, William Jackson Hooker, W.H. Fitch, Matilda Smith, Lillian Snelling and Stella Rose Craig. The plates are known for their fine detail and delicate hand coloring. The prints are all copper engravings to Volume 70 & then stone or zinc lithography until the introduction of color printing in 1948. It is the longest running botanical magazine and was entirely hand colored until 1948. References: Blunt (1994) pp 211 - 217, Great Flower Books pp 156 - 157, Nissen BPI 2350, Staflue 1290. Curtis prints are particularly prized for their lavish, beautifully hand colored illustrations principally by Sydenham Teak Edwards, James Sowerby and William Kilburn.