12396 James Sowerby (1757–1822) – Botanical Study of Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) – Hand-coloured etching (1797)
"Tussilago farfara". This botanical illustration captures the life cycle of the Coltsfoot plant, showing its distinctive yellow composite flower, the developing seed head or pappus, and the broad, heart-shaped leaf. The etching includes a detailed view of the rhizome root system and small dissections of the floral components at the base. This work was published in London on November 1, 1797, as part of the monumental series English Botany, or Coloured Figures of British Plants, with Hints of their Characters. The series was a collaborative effort between Sowerby and the botanist James Edward Smith, aiming to provide a comprehensive and scientifically accurate visual record of the British flora.
James Sowerby was a prolific English naturalist, illustrator, and mineralogist who became one of the most significant figures in scientific publishing during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries. He was a fellow of the Linnean Society and the Royal Society, known for his extraordinary ability to combine artistic elegance with rigorous botanical accuracy. Sowerby contributed thousands of plates to various publications, including the Mineral Conchology of Great Britain and the multi-volume English Botany, which remained a standard reference for generations. His family established a long-running dynasty of scientific illustrators, continuing his legacy of documenting the natural world with technical mastery.
Artist or Maker: James Sowerby.
Dimensions: Approximately 23 cm x 14 cm.
Medium: Hand-coloured etching.
Date: 1797.
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 | 100 - 200 SEK |
| Buyers Premium (inc. VAT) | 24.4% |
| Hammer Fee (inc. VAT) | 6 SEK |
Dahlströms Rare Prints
Harju maakond, Tallinn
Lasnamäe linnaosa, Ruunaoja tn 3, 11415
Estland
info@dahlstromsrareprints.com
© Software Copyright 2026 Skeleton. All rights reserved.