No. 629 (Scented Ixia) The Botanical Magazine. London, 1803. $400.00

"Ixia Polystachia. Lily of the Valley-Scented Ixia"

William Curtis was an 18th century Englishman who devoted his life to the study of flowers and plants. The arrival of exotic botanical specimens in Europe prompted a demand for detailed and accurate information concerning the new plants. The Botanical Magazine or Flower-Garden Display'd (later known as Curtis' Botanical Magazine) contained beautifully engraved and hand colored engravings issued in monthly installments. Each installment arrived wrapped in blue papers containing three hand-colored botanicals with descriptive text. The first issue was published February 1787 and is considered to be the first horticultural magazine.  It was so popular that it continued to be produced into the 1940s! Our original antique engravings from the work date from the early years of the publication.

Hand colored copperplate engraving.
9 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches.
Excellent condition.
With text.
Framed in 23 carat gold leaf frame with hand painted matting.