1796 Copper Engraving James Sowerby Scleranthus Annual Knawel Botanical Print

"Scleranthus annuus"

This is an original 1796 hand-colored copper engraving of the Scleranthus annuus, commonly known as German knotweed and annual knawel, it is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. A page of descriptive text accompanies this plate. Please see both images.

CONDITION

This 217+ year old Item is rated Very Fine +. Moderate foxing and aging. Light wrinkling. Some moderate surface rub. Small hole - left margin.

• Product Type: Original Copper Engraving; Hand-Tinted Color
• Grade: Very Fine +
• Dimensions: Approximately 5 x 9 inches; 13 x 23 cm
• Authentication: Serial-Numbered Certificate of Authenticity w/ Full Provenance
• Protection: Packaged in a custom archival sleeve with an acid-free black board (great for display, gift-giving, and preservation)

Period Paper is pleased to offer a scarce and beautiful collection of hand-colored copper engraved botanical plates of British flora from the late 18th century. Each plate is illustrated by James Sowerby, the English naturalist and illustrator, with an accompanying page of descriptive text by Sir James Edward Smith, the noted English botanist. These are not from the later editions, rather from the very first release of his work, hence the scarcity. In extraordinary condition, these rare plates are well-suited for framing and sure to appeal to all who delight in the beauty of plants and gardens. As Sir James Edward Smith writes in the preface to this edition: "The study of [botany] doubles the pleasure of every journey or walk, and calls forth to healthy exercise the bodily as well as the mental powers."

This piece was illustrated by Sowerby, James. Artist name printed on page - bottom center of image.

Keywords specific to this image: Art, Plant, Nature, Botany

EB5C96 zz10000