William Curtis began publication of the Botanical Magazine in February 1787 and it 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 etchings 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. These Curtis etchings are particularly prized for their lavish, beautifully hand colored large illustrations principally by Sydenham Teak Edwards, James Sowerby and William Kilburn. The condition of the etching is remarkable for a work that is over 200 years old. There is little or no foxing, with characteristic good plate marks on wove paper that is a creamy in color. The photos are very accurate, so please review carefully. All our etchings are authentic hand colored antique engraving, and the Curtis are about 200 years old & in excellent condition. |
