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Vintage Botanical Illustrations of Medicinal and Ornamental Plants, circa 1800

About the Item

The botanical illustrations are the work of Sydenham Edwards, a prolific botanical artist known for his detailed and vibrant illustrations. These engravings were published by William Curtis in various botanical magazines, including "The Botanical Magazine" or "Curtis's Botanical Magazine," which first began publication in 1787. Key details about the publication and the artist: - Artist: Sydenham Edwards - Publisher: William Curtis - Publication: These specific prints were part of Curtis’s various collections, which included "The Botanical Magazine," and were published around the late 18th century and early 19th century, specifically noted in the years around 1796 to 1803 in your images. - Significance: "The Botanical Magazine" was one of the first botanical periodicals to include colored plates, aiming to make scientific botanical studies accessible and informative with a focus on aesthetic appeal. It played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge about plants from all over the world to European audiences, enhancing both scientific understanding and horticultural practice. These works are celebrated for their artistic quality and scientific accuracy, contributing significantly to the field of botanical illustration and the popularization of botanical knowledge during that period. Here's a detailed description of all eight botanical prints along with their English names and special characteristics: 1. **Quaking Grass (Briza media)** - This plant is known for its delicate, heart-shaped flower heads that tremble in the slightest breeze, giving it the name "Quaking Grass." It's often used in dried floral arrangements for its whimsical and gentle appearance. 2. **Alpine Alstroemeria (Alstroemeria aurea)** - Often referred to as the Peruvian Lily, this plant features striking, lily-like blooms in vibrant colors. It's popular in gardens for its beauty and in bouquets for its longevity as a cut flower. 3. **Golden Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)** - Recognized by its button-like, bright yellow flowers, Golden Tansy is valued for its insect-repellent properties and has been used traditionally in herbal medicine. 4. **St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)** - Known for its bright yellow flowers and numerous stamens, this plant is famous for its use in treating depression and nerve damage. It's a staple in herbal medicine with a variety of therapeutic applications. 5. **Bird's-foot Trefoil (Lotus corniculatus)** - This plant produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that sometimes have an orange hue. It's important for soil health due to its nitrogen-fixing ability and serves as a key food source for various butterfly species. 6. **Bush Vetch (Vicia sepium)** - This climbing plant has small, purple flowers and is useful in agriculture for improving soil quality through nitrogen fixation. It’s also beneficial for attracting and supporting pollinators like bees. 7. **Yellow Loosestrife (Lysimachia vulgaris)** - With its tall stems and star-like, yellow flowers, this plant is admired for its robust growth and ability to thrive in wet environments, making it ideal for pond edges and water gardens. 8. **Common Toadflax (Linaria vulgaris)** - This plant is noted for its snapdragon-like, yellow flowers with an orange palate in the throat. It's admired for its attractive appearance and ability to adapt to various environments, often seen gracing roadsides and fields. These botanical illustrations not only showcase the beauty of each species but also reflect their ecological roles and uses in traditional practices, adding a layer of depth to their aesthetic value.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 9.45 in (24 cm)Width: 6.3 in (16 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 8
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1800
  • Condition:
    The condition of these prints is very good, with vibrant colors and clear details that have been well-preserved over time. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Study scans carefully.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-13748-961stDibs: LU3054341346072

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