A magnificent example of the work of the 18^th century botanical illustrator John Edwards (1741 – 1815), a fine artist and Member of the Royal Academy in London. This beautiful engraving of a favorite flower was issued as an illustration in his work published 1769 entitled, The British Herbal, Containing the most beautiful and scarce flowers and useful medicinal plants, which blow in the open air of Great Britain; with their Botanical characters, also a short account of their cultivation, etc.  Boldly figured and beautifully colored, these images are considered Edward’s best.