9697 William Curtis (1746-1799) – Gladiolus Tristis (Sorrowful Corn-Flag) - Hand-coloured Engraving
A vibrant, hand-coloured botanical illustration of the Sorrowful Corn-Flag (Gladiolus tristis), an early flowering Gladiolus species, likely from South Africa. The plant is depicted as a tall, slender flower spike emerging from a single, prominent sword-shaped leaf to the left. The spike features a graceful cluster of delicate, pale pink or blush-coloured flowers, each marked with deep crimson and yellow striations in the throat. Several unopened buds top the stem, indicating the plant's continuous bloom. This scientific print is from Curtis's Botanical Magazine, produced after the founder's death under the direction of his successors, showcasing the magazine's ongoing tradition of highly detailed and accurate botanical documentation.
William Curtis was an English apothecary, botanist, and entomologist who made a lasting contribution to botanical study through his publications. In 1787, he founded The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed (later renamed Curtis's Botanical Magazine), creating a highly successful and pioneering journal dedicated to illustrating foreign and ornamental plants for an enthusiastic gardening public. Although Curtis died in 1799, the magazine continued under the editorship of his friends and family, including Sydenham Teast Edwards, one of the magazine’s principal illustrators, and Samuel Curtis, ensuring its legacy as the longest-running botanical periodical with hand-coloured plates.
Artist or Maker: William Curtis
Dimensions: Approximately 25 × 14 cm
Medium: Hand-coloured Engraving
Date: 1808
Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.
| Estimate | 300 - 400 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
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