Elizabeth Blackwell - 1739 First Edition - Pimpernell

$0.00

An exceptionally fine engraving with original hand-coloring from the first edition of A CURIOUS HERBAL - drawn, engraved and painted by Elizabeth Blackwell.  Published in London, c. 1739.

This is Plate 274, Female Pimpernell (Anagallis terrestris soemina)Anagallis is a genus of about 20–25 species of flowering plants in the family Primulaceae, commonly called pimpernel and perhaps best known for the scarlet pimpernel referred to in literature. The botanical name is from the Greekana, "again", and agallein, "to delight in", and refers to the opening and closing of the flowers in response to environmental conditions.

These 18th century herbals are from one of the first English botanical series to be issued with hand-colored plates. Published by Elizabeth Blackwell to free her physician husband from debtor’s prison.  Due to the great success and popularity of this enterprise, her husband was indeed released (however he was later beheaded for his part in a political plot to alter the Swedish royal succession).

Plate size is approximately 11 7/8 x 7 7/8 inches.

Shipped Unmatted

  • Inventory# B-177
Sold Out