Medium: Antique Hand-Colored Copper Engravings: Print
Artists: J. Sowerby, C. Sowerby, J.W. Salter, John Edward Sowerby
Creator: James Sowerby
From: English Botany, 1806
Publisher: London
Size: 6 x 9”
Description: Antique print; Hand-Colored Copperplate Engraving

Photographed on a black background.

Printed one year after The Louisiana Purchase.

James Sowerby (1757-1822) was the paterfamilias of a gifted family of British botanical and natural science illustrators whose members amassed an impressive record of achievements spanning three generations. Sowerby enjoyed a dual career, achieving distinction both as an outstanding artist and as a keen scientist whose research interests ranged from the study of British fossils and mushrooms to animals and minerals. Unlike other flower painters of the time, whose work tended toward pleasing wealthy patrons, he worked directly with scientists. Like many of his fellow artists, however, Sowerby sketched quickly in a pencil line that was full of vigor and freshness. He maintained an extensive correspondence with naturalists, encouraging them in their work, and inviting them to send him specimens for study and analysis. In return, Sowerby sent specimens from his collection and reprints of his publications, thereby stimulating further research.

Copper Engraving is the practice of incising a design onto copper by cutting grooves into it. An impression is created on the copper plate, which is then filled with opaque ink. When paper is pressed into the plate, it creates raised and colored areas.

No Reserve: This lot starts at $3 and has no reserve as a courtesy so that collectors can determine the true market value on this authentic item.

Slight wear and foxing due to the age of the piece