Curtis, Botanical Illustrations, 1818, Handcoloured Engravings, Set of 6

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The image showcases six hand-colored botanical copperplate engravings on vellin paper from the early 19th century, attributed to Samuel Curtis's … Read more The image showcases six hand-colored botanical copperplate engravings on vellin paper from the early 19th century, attributed to Samuel Curtis's publication. Plants along with their Latin and common English names, reflecting the detail and accuracy typical of botanical artwork from this period: 1. Top Left: This depicts the *Poinsettia pulcherrima*, commonly known as the Poinsettia. Native to Mexico and Central America, it's particularly celebrated for its bright red and green foliage and is widely used in Christmas floral displays. 2. Top Middle: Shown is *Rhododendron indicum*, known as the Azalea. This species is famous for its vibrant blooms and is a popular choice for ornamental horticulture. 3. Top Right: This illustration represents *Rosa chinensis*, commonly referred to as the China Rose. It's significant for its role in the breeding of many modern garden roses, admired for its repeat flowering unlike most wild roses. 4. Bottom Left: The flower depicted is *Anemone coronaria*, known as the Poppy Anemone. It is a species of the genus Anemone, native to the Mediterranean region, noted for its vibrant, showy flowers. 5. Bottom Middle: Illustrated here is *Begonia coccinea*, which carries the common name Angel Wing Begonia. Recognizable by its wing-shaped leaves and clusters of red flowers, it is popular in horticulture. 6. Bottom Right: The image shows *Hydrangea macrophylla*, commonly known as Bigleaf Hydrangea or French Hydrangea. This species is renowned for its large flower heads and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world. These illustrations are special not only for their scientific accuracy but also for their artistic execution. The meticulous detail and vibrant coloration help convey the unique characteristics of each plant, serving both educational and aesthetic purposes during a time when live specimens were hard to come by in many regions. This prints originate from ‘Curtis Botanical Magazine.’ William Curtis began publication of the Botanical Magazine in February 1787 and it continued even after his death almost without interruption until 1948. The images were engraved and hand-coloured by many reknown artists. The plates are known for their fine detail and delicate hand coloring. The prints are all copper engravings to Volume 70, then continue with stone or zinc lithography until the introduction of color printing in 1948. See less