1431 (Commelina) The Botanical Magazine. London, 1812. $110.00

No. 1431 Commelina Africana. Yellow Cape-Commellina

William Curtis was an 18th century Englishman who devoted his life to the study of botanicals. 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, was issued in a small format, in monthly installments. Each installment arrived wrapped in blue papers containing three hand-colored botanical illustrations with text. The first issue was published February 1787 and was a great success. It is considered to be the first horticultural magazine.  It remained so popular that it continued to be produced with hand colored plates up into the 1940s! Many famous artists contributed to the publication.

Hand colored copperplate engraving.
9 1/4 x 5 3/4 inches.
Excellent condition.

With accompanying text.