W.J.H. “Gongora Speciosa. Large Yellow-flowered Gongora.” Pl. 2755. From "The Botanical Magazine"

W.J.H. “Gongora Speciosa. Large Yellow-flowered Gongora.” Pl. 2755. From The Botanical Magazine.

Walworth: S. Curtis, 1 August 1827.  Engraving by Swan.  Quarto. 9 ¾ x 8 ½ (plate mark). Original hand-coloring.

A delightful hand-colored engraving from William Curtis’ great periodical, The Botanical Magazine.  Begun by Curtis in 1787, it was issued monthly in groups of three plates together with descriptive text.  The magazine continued publication until recently  under the aegis of the Royal Horticultural Society, with an unbroken publishing record of almost 200 years.  Dunthorne, speaking of the early issues, those that were hand-colored engravings, says, “The plates are beautifully engraved and coloured with the same care and exactitude as other fine works of this period,” and “A delightful work pictorially, never excelled as a periodical, most carefully coloured and a source of lasting interest and information.” (G. Dunthorne, Flower and Fruit Prints..., pp. 47 & 190)  This lovely print is testimony to the appropriateness of this praise.