Early 19th Century James Sowerby – Set of 6 Botanical and Natural History Prints – Aquilegia Vulgaris

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Description

Presenting a collection of six authentic, hand-colored botanical and natural history engravings by the renowned English naturalist and illustrator James … Read more Presenting a collection of six authentic, hand-colored botanical and natural history engravings by the renowned English naturalist and illustrator James Sowerby (1757–1822). These prints originate from Sowerby's monumental series, English Botany, which was issued in 36 volumes between 1790 and 1814.

Conceived, illustrated, and published by Sowerby, English Botany became the most comprehensive illustrated flora of Great Britain during the early 19th century. This set is a beautiful representation of period scientific illustration, originally printed on handmade paper using engraved copper printing plates before being meticulously colored by hand.

Featured Subjects Included:
Common Columbine (Aquilegia vulgaris)
Wild Service Tree (Crataegus torminalis)
Autumnal Crocus (Crocus autumnalis)
Variegated Catchfly / Five-Spot (Silene quinquevulnera)
Stonecress (Lepidium petraeum)
Curled-leaved Earth-Moss (Phascum crispum)

Item Specifications:
Artist & Illustrator: James Sowerby (1757–1822)
Medium: Original hand-colored copper-plate engravings
Publication: English Botany
Date: 1790 to 1814
Dimensions: Approximately 25 cm x 16 cm (9.8" x 6.3") each

Acquired from Proverb Auctions in France in 2025. See less