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 364, The Mandrake (Mandragora). Mandragora, known as mandrake are plants that consist of a rosette of leaves up to 60 cm (2 ft) across, close to the ground, with a central group of usually purplish flowers (can be white or greenish-white) followed by yellow or orange berries. The large tap-rootsas well as the leaves contain alkaloids and are toxic. They have traditional uses as herbal medicines.
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 3/4 x 7 3/4 inches.
Shipped Unmatted
