Wheat No. 1, Bearded Wheat No. 2 from "A Curious Herbal, containing five hundred cuts, of the most useful plants, which are now used in the practice of physick"
London: John Nourse, 1739. Ephemera. Original engraving with period hand color, plate No. 40. Elizabeth Blackwell was the artist, engraver and colorist of "A Curious Herbal". The necessity for providing for her family (her husband from debtor's prison); her proximity to the Chelsea Physic Garden, and her observation that a definitive herbal was needed, brought her to produce this book at a time when herbals were rare. From a production point of view, she unusually painted, engraved, and hand colored her own prints. Although dying in obscurity in 1758, her some 500 prints are a testament to her artistry and the entrepreneurship of a very modern woman. Plate size: 7 3/4 x 11 3/4", on paper measuring approx. 9 1/2 x 14 1/2". Dominant color pale gold. Some toning of plate. Very good condition. Item #21221
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