William Curtis Paintings & Artwork for Sale | William Curtis Art Value Price Guide

Nov. 30, 2024
Curtis - 9 Botanical Engravings (Lily, Amaryllis)
Est: $500 - $1,500
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Nov. 02, 2024
Curtis - 15 Stapelia Engravings
Est: $500 - $1,500
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Sep. 06, 2024
10 Blumen Kupferstiche um 1790
Est: -
Konvolut von 10 alt kolorierten Kupferstichen, William Curtis (*1746 †1799 London) Botaniker und Zeichner, Verleger ab 1766, gründete 1787 das *Botanical Magazine* eine Zeitschrift mit colorierten Blumenkupferstichen, hochformatige verschiedene Pflanzen-Darstellungen ca. 12 x 20 cm, je in Klapp-Passepartout ca. 26 x 35 cm
Auktionshaus Bossard
Aug. 31, 2024
W. CURTIS (1746-1799), Botanical Magazine, Stockrose, 1789, Copper engraving
Est: €60 - €100
William Curtis (1746 Alton (Hampshire) - 1799 London): Illustration aus: Curti"s Botanical Magazine, Taf 87, Stockrose, Alcea rosea, Hollyhok, 1789, Copper engraving Technique: Hand colored Copper engraving on Paper Date: 1789 Source: William Curtis (1746 Alton, Hampshire-1799 Brompton) Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, No. 87 | Book, Science Keywords: Flower, Hollyhock, Mallow, 18th century, Baroque, Flowers, Germany, Size: Paper: 24,4 cm x 14,7 cm (9,6 x 5,8 in)
Fichter Kunsthandel
Aug. 15, 2024
Curtis (William) Lectures on Botany, vol. 1 & 2 only (of 3), first edition, William Phillips, 1803-04; and others with hand-coloured plates (5)
Est: £200 - £300
Curtis (William) Lectures on Botany, vol. 1 & 2 only (of 3), first edition, engraved portrait, 95 hand-coloured engraved plates, vol. 1 with contemporary ownership name of D.B. Hanbury to front free endpaper, light offsetting, some light browning, occasional light foxing to text, the odd spot or very light soiling to plates, but overall good, contemporary half calf over marbled boards, vol. 1 spine little chipped at foot, some wear to corners, rubbed, upper joints split but holding firm, William Phillips, 1803-04; and 3 others by Buffon with hand-coloured natural history plates, 8vo (5)
Forum Auctions - UK
Jul. 25, 2024
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis; or, plates and descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the environs of London, vol.1-5 (only, of 6) bound in 3, first edition, printed for and sol...
Est: £750 - £1,000
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis; or, plates and descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the environs of London, vol.1-5 (only, of 6) bound in 3, first edition, title to vol.1 only, engraved author portrait mounted on front free endpaper of vol.1, 360 hand-coloured engraved plates, many trimmed and mounted on stubs, 6pp. manuscript "alphabetical index to the first five (out of six) fasciculae of Curtis's Flora Londinensis" in vol.1, final text leaf supplied in manuscript, light browning, light scattered spotting affecting some plates, nineteenth-century green half morocco by Birdsall, spine with raised bands in seven compartments, slightly rubbed, t.e.g., others uncut, folio, printed for and sold by the author, 1777.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jul. 17, 2024
CURTIS, William (1746-1799). The Botanical Magazine Collection of 62 coloured plates. London: Curtis, 1786-1789.
Est: €200 - €300
Collection of fine contemporary watercolour engravings from the early years of this celebrated botanical magazine, 'the oldest current scientific periodical of its kind with coloured illustrations in the world...for the beauty of its production and the high standard of its contributions may claim a unique place' (Synge, Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society, 73 (1948). 8vo, (220 x 137mm). 62 plates mounted on modern passepartouts. (1)
Wannenes Art Auctions
Jul. 05, 2024
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis, vol.1-5 (of 6) bound in 3, first edition, 1777.
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis; or, plates and descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the environs of London, vol.1-5 (only, of 6) bound in 3, first edition, 360 hand-coloured engraved plates, title to vol.1 only, engraved author portrait mounted on front free endpaper of vol.1, 6pp. manuscript "alphabetical index to the first five (out of six) fasciculae of Curtis's Flora Londinensis" in vol.1, final text leaf supplied in manuscript, light browning, light scattered spotting affecting some plates, nineteenth-century green half morocco by Birdsall, spine with raised bands in seven compartments, slightly rubbed, t.e.g., others uncut, folio, printed for and sold by the author, 1777. *** William Curtis (1746-1799) set out to record all the wild plants growing within a 10-mile radius of London. Many of the substantial collection of hand-coloured plates show the details of the plant at each stage of its growth and development, rather than a snapshot at one particular stage.
Forum Auctions - UK
Jun. 11, 2024
William Curtis (1746-1799)
Est: £300 - £500
William Curtis (1746-1799) 'Flora Londinensis: Or Plates and Descriptions of Such Plants as Grow Wild in the Environs of London' a set of fourteen hand-coloured engravings, each depicting a plant specimen titled in Latin underneath, published London 1777, each in a glazed gilt frame eight 40 x 25cm, framed 60 x 41cm three 43.5 x 13cm, framed 59 x 27.5cm three 21.5 x 20cm, framed 37 x 36cm (14)
Sworders
May. 25, 2024
Lot of 2 Botanical Prints - Sowerby & Curtis.
Est: $100 - $200
This lot contains two antique hand colored engravings published by William Curtis (England, 1746-1799) for his Botanic Garden in Lambeth Marsh. The pink and yellow flower was engraved by James Sowerby (England, 1757-1822), while the other is unmarked in this regard. Both pieces come with an attached certificate of authenticity from Bracantichita, Chicago. The works are housed in matching gilt frames with pink and white marbled matting. The frames are scuffed. Evidence of foxing and toning are present. The impression areas measure 7 7/8" x 4 3/4", and the frames measure 17 1/2" x 13 1/2". In-house shipping is available. Please see our website regarding our in-house shipping procedures.
Direct Auction Galleries, Inc.
May. 11, 2024
Curtis - Pair of Botanical Engravings: Moss Rose & Netted-veined Amaryllis
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
May. 11, 2024
Curtis - Pair of Botanical Engravings: Particoloured Iris & One-leaved Strawberry or Strawberry of Versailles
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
May. 11, 2024
Curtis - Pair of Botanical Engravings: Golden Amaryllis & Large-flowered Galaxia
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Apr. 21, 2024
William Curtis, Flora Londinensis, 1817
Est: $2,000 - $4,000
Flora Londinensis "A History of The Plants indigenous to Great Britain", by William Curtis, a botanical survey of Great Britain, printed for George Graves, engraved by Richard and Arthur Taylor, London, 1817. Volumes I and II, 143 total prints. Dimensions: Books are 20" x 12 1/2" Provenance: From a local collection.
Locati LLC
Apr. 04, 2024
CURTIS (William)
Est: £200 - £300
CURTIS (William) The Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed. London: 1795-96, 8vo, vols. IX and X in one, 75 hand-coloured plates, plates 286-360, contemporary tree calf, rebacked
Cheffins
Mar. 28, 2024
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis, vol.1-5 (of 6) bound in 3, first edition, 1777.
Est: £2,000 - £3,000
Botany.- Curtis (William) Flora Londinensis; or, plates and descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the environs of London, vol.1-5 (only, of 6) bound in 3, first edition, 360 hand-coloured engraved plates, title to vol.1 only, engraved author portrait mounted on front free endpaper of vol.1, 6pp. manuscript "alphabetical index to the first five (out of six) fasciculae of Curtis's Flora Londinensis" in vol.1, final text leaf supplied in manuscript, light browning, light scattered spotting affecting some plates, nineteenth-century green half morocco by Birdsall, spine with raised bands in seven compartments, slightly rubbed, t.e.g., others uncut, folio, printed for and sold by the author, 1777. *** William Curtis (1746-1799) set out to record all the wild plants growing within a 10-mile radius of London. Many of the substantial collection of hand-coloured plates show the details of the plant at each stage of its growth and development, rather than a snapshot at one particular stage.
Forum Auctions - UK
Mar. 19, 2024
WILLIAM CURTIS - Strelitzia Reginae. The Queen's Strelitzia
Est: -
WILLIAM CURTIS England 1746 - 1799 Strelitzia Reginae. The Queen's Strelitzia. London, 1790 Colored engraving Signed and dated Measurements 200 x 230 mm plate Comes from the work titled Botanical Magazine, better known as Curtis' Botanical Magazine. On the back, old authenticity label from Buchanan and Kige, Virginia, USA.
Subastas Segre
Mar. 19, 2024
William Curtis, UK 1746-1799, Geranium Pratense (Meadow Cranesbill), Lithograph, 37 x 26.5 cm. (14.5 x 10.4 in.), Frame: 65 x 52 cm. (25.5 x 20.4 in.)
Est: -
William Curtis UK, 1746-1799 Geranium Pratense (Meadow Cranesbill) Lithograph From William Curtis', Flora, Londinensis, Vol.2 fasc.43 (1782), later lithograph.
Bargain Hunt Auctions
Feb. 24, 2024
Curtis - 4 Iris Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 24, 2024
Curtis - 4 Lily Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 17, 2024
Curtis - 4 Purple Iris Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 17, 2024
Curtis - 6 Botanical Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 17, 2024
Curtis - 5 Yellow Botanical Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 10, 2024
Curtis - 4 Iris Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 10, 2024
Curtis - 4 Lily Engravings
Est: $400 - $800
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - Tyger-spotted Chinese Lily. 1237
Est: $150 - $300
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - Superb Lily. 936
Est: $150 - $300
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - Chinese Trumpet-flower. 1398
Est: $150 - $300
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - 5 Engravings of Double or Seychelles-Island Cocoa-Nut
Est: $200 - $400
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - Lesser Black-spined Indian-Fig. 1557
Est: $150 - $300
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Feb. 03, 2024
Curtis - Common Tulip-Tree. 275
Est: $150 - $300
This lovely botanical engraving is from William Curtis’s The Botanical Magazine, or Flower-Garden Displayed. Curtis was determined to produce a scientifically accurate journal, and so took care that artists used live speicmens for reference. Each plate features a meticulously drawn specimen with an accompanying descriptive text for each. The first 70 volumes (1787-mid1800s) were printed using copper etching and then finished with watercolor added by hand. Commonly referred to as Curtis' Botanical Magazine, this prolific periodical was first published in 1787 and is still in publication today by the Kew Gardens.
Trillium Antique Prints & Rare Books
Jan. 14, 2024
PAIR 18TH CENTURY WILLIAM CURTIS BOTANICAL ETCHING
Est: $200 - $400
Pair William Curtis Hand Colored Botanical Etchings, circa 1777. From "Flora Londinensis", a folio sized book that described the flora found in the London region of the mid 18th century. Includes (1) Cardamine Amara No. 158 (2) Geum Urbanum No. 113. Impressions measure 15x9" each. Professionally framed with display backs for text pages. Overall framed dimensions 28x20" each. Purchased from Darville's Rare Print Shop, Eastsound, Washington. Excellent condition.
District Auction
Jan. 14, 2024
3 18TH CENTURY WILLIAM CURTIS BOTANICAL ETCHINGS
Est: $200 - $400
Group of 3 William Curtis Hand Colored Botanical Etchings, circa 1777. From "Flora Londinensis", a folio sized book that described the flora found in the London region of the mid 18th century. Includes (1) Sedum Dasyphyllum No. 147 (2) Saxifraga Tridactylites No. 129 (3) Hypnum Purum No. #207). Impressions measure 5.5x5", 7.5x4.5", 7x5.5". Professionally framed with display backs for text pages. Overall framed dimensions 20.5x15" each. Purchased from Darville's Rare Print Shop, Eastsound, Washington. Excellent condition.
District Auction
Dec. 07, 2023
WILLIAM CURTIS, BRITISH 1746-1799, SIX BOTANICAL PRINTS, Hand-colored engraving, Sight: 7 x 4 in. (17.8 x 10.2 cm.), Frame: 28 3/4 x 9 3/4 in. (73 x 24.8 cm.)
Est: $150 - $250
WILLIAM CURTIS BRITISH, 1746-1799 SIX BOTANICAL PRINTS Hand-colored engraving (2)
Potomack Company
Nov. 30, 2023
Botany.- Curtis (William) The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed, 24 vol. in 12, by Couchman and Fry, for W. Curtis, 1788-1806
Est: £3,000 - £4,000
Botany.- Curtis (William) The Botanical Magazine; or, Flower-Garden Displayed, 24 vol. in 12, vol. 1 later issue (1790), title pages vol. 1-3 (that of 2 and 3 misbound at front of vol. 3 and 5) and vol. 7-24 all present, 966 finely hand-coloured engraved plates, several folding, ink ownership stamp to front endpapers and bookplates to pastedowns, some plates lightly browned, scattered off-setting, overall bright and generally clean, handsomely bound in early nineteenth century green straight-grain morocco, spines lightly faded and minor scuffing to extremities, [Great Flower Books p. 156; Nissen BBI 2350], 8vo, by Couchman and Fry, for W. Curtis, 1788-1806
Forum Auctions - UK
Nov. 28, 2023
William Curtis | Flora Londinensis. London, 1777-1828, an important survey of London flora
Est: - £7,000
William Curtis Flora Londinensis; or, plates and descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the environs of London. [with] William Jackson Hooker. Flora londinensis; containing a history of the plants indigenous to Great Britain. London: Printed for and Sold by the Author, at his Botanic-Garden, 1777, 1798; Printed for George Graves, 1819-1828 FIRST EDITION, 4 volumes, folio (490 x 295mm.), dedication to the Earl of Bute, list of subscribers, eight-leaf manuscript “General Index” and “English Index” inserted following preface in vol. 1, 648 hand-coloured engraved plates, volumes 1-3 in fine early twentieth-century green morocco gilt, volume 4 in recent matching (slightly darker) green morocco gilt, without the printed general indexes and two articles called for by Henrey. title of first volume carefully backed and a little soiled, preliminary leaves unevenly trimmed at bottom, preface leaf with crease flattened and minor tear repaired, text leaves with overall very light browning (plates, with a few exceptions, brighter), a dozen leaves with moisture stain at fore-edge Although various parts and editions of the Flora Londinensis appear regularly in the marketplace, the present item is a rare combination of this celebrated botanical work, comprised of the first editions of both William Curtis’ original issues, published in 72 numbers appearing between 1775 and 1798, and Sir William Jackson Hooker’s continuation of the work, published between 1817 and 1828. It is unique in its arrangement, as a former owner with expertise in botany combined the plates from Curtis and Hooker, arranging the plates by type of plant, rather than binding them as issued in the original fascicles. In creating this personalized copy, he discarded the printed index issued with each fascicle, hand-numbered the plates according to his system of arrangement, and wrote out his own general index, using both Latin and English names, in an elegant hand. William Curtis (1746-1799) is one of the great names in natural history, and his Flora Londinensis (along with his famous Botanical Magazine) is a landmark in English botany. A pharmacist, botanist, and entomologist, Curtis set up a botanic garden of British plants at Bermondsey in 1771 and two years later was appointed demonstrator of plants at the Chelsea Physic Garden, a post he held until 1777. Although the stated purpose of the Flora Londinensis is to depict the plants growing within a ten-mile radius of London, the work is much more comprehensive in scope than its title suggests, for it embraces most of the flowers growing in England. As a result, it should be properly regarded as the first colour-plate national flora. It is an impressive work with handsome engraved illustrations and wonderfully rich colouring. In Henrey’s words, “Curtis adopted the novel plan of having specimens drawn to a uniform scale and to life size, and most of the plates display a high degree of accuracy. In the opinion of [Sir J.E.] Salisbury, the majority of the figures ‘represent the most successful portrayals of British wild flowers that have ever been achieved.’” (II, 67) Described by the Hunt catalogue as the “splendid, complicated, basic, English flora,” the work contains some of James Sowerby’s first botanical illustrations as well as the work of William Kilburn, Sydenham Edwards, Francis Sansom, and perhaps others (none of the plates are signed). Unfortunately, the Flora Londinensis was not a financial success and consequently was cut short for lack of subscriptions: according to Henrey’s account, no more than 300 of any single number are believed to have been printed. Although the work’s comprehensive nature means that quite a number of images record plants that are not visually arresting, they all are beautifully coloured. The bindings here are a special bonus: the design is elegantly handsome, the execution is impeccable, and the exactitude of the replication done for the fourth binding is remarkable. REFERENCES: Dunthorne 87; Cleveland Herbal 532; Great Flower Books, pp. 88-89; Henrey 595 and 596; Hunt 650; Nissen BBI 439, 440; Pritzel 2004, 2005; Stafleu TL2 1286
Sotheby's
Nov. 23, 2023
Curtis (William) Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed, vol.4, 9, 15 and 16 in 3, 163 hand-coloured plates, 1791-1801.
Est: £400 - £600
Curtis (William) Botanical Magazine; or Flower-Garden Displayed, vol.4, 9, 15 and 16 in 3, 164 engraved plates, all but one hand-coloured, one folding, some light toning, various contemporary calf or half calf bindings, rubbed, 8vo, 1791-1801.
Forum Auctions - UK
Nov. 09, 2023
William Curtis (8pcs)
Est: $200 - $300
William Curtis (British, 1746-1799) BOTANICAL SPECIMENS (plate No.23, 36, 45, 57, 58, 77, 78, 183) colored engravings, framed as set sight H8" W5" (8pcs) Provenance: Estate of Ellen K. Schuster
Charlton Hall
Oct. 12, 2023
William Curtis, Publisher: Botanicals: Three Plates
Est: $100 - $300
Three engravings in black with hand-coloring; together with T. Nelson and Sons, Publishers: Humming Birds, lithograph with hand-coloring. Three 8 x 4 1/2 in. (sight), 13 1/4 x 9 3/4 in. (frame), one 5 3/8 x 4 in. (sight), 13 1/4 x 10 1/2 in. (frame).
STAIR
Oct. 10, 2023
CURTIS, William:
Est: £1,500 - £2,500
CURTIS, William: CURTIS, William: Flora Londinensis: or Plates and Descriptions of such plants as grow wild in the Environs of London. One volume only, bound in three with a title page in volume one only. Printed and sold by the author, 1777. Elephant folio (47 x 29cm), with a total of 270 hand-coloured plates only, of 432 in the complete work. Later half leather with new endpapers, two armorial bookplates to the pastedown of each volume. A few tears (without loss), and a couple of pinholes. The Subscribers' list bound upside down. A/F; SOLD AS A COLLECTION OF PLATES. (3) From the Paul Bentley collection of maps and atlases.
Sworders
Oct. 10, 2023
CURTIS, William:
Est: £4,000 - £6,000
CURTIS, William: CURTIS, William: The Botanical Magazine, or flower-garden displayed, volumes: 1-28, bound in 14. Fry & Couchman, 1787-1808. With 1184 hand coloured plates. Later half leather & marbled boards (the binding matches Sowerby's English Botany). Very good and clean. (14) From the Paul Bentley collection of maps and atlases.
Sworders
Sep. 02, 2023
W. CURTIS (1746-1799), Botanical Magazine, Stockrose, 1789, Copper engraving
Est: €60 - €100
William Curtis (1746 Alton (Hampshire) - 1799 London): Illustration aus: Curti"s Botanical Magazine, Taf 87, Stockrose, Alcea rosea, Hollyhok, 1789, Copper engraving Technique: Hand colored Copper engraving on Paper Date: 1789 Source: William Curtis (1746 Alton, Hampshire-1799 Brompton) Curtis’s Botanical Magazine, No. 87 | Book, Science Keywords: Flower, Hollyhock, Mallow, 18th century, Baroque, Flowers, Germany,
Fichter Kunsthandel
Aug. 31, 2023
PAIR WILLIAM CURTIS HAND-COLORED BOTANICALS
Est: $50 - $1,000
Hand-colored engravings in French mats. One dated 1796, the other 1801. Dimensions: (Frame) H 16.5" x W 13.25" (Sight) H 15" x W 11.5" Condition: One with lightly age toned paper. A couple marks to the frames.
Westport Auction
Jul. 12, 2023
CURTIS, William (1746-1799) and Carl LINNAEUS (1707-1778) Fundamenta entom
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
CURTIS, William (1746-1799) and Carl LINNAEUS (1707-1778) Fundamenta entomologiae: or an introduction to the knowledge of insects....
Christie's
Jul. 12, 2023
[CURTIS, William (1746-1799)] Instructions for collecting and preserving i
Est: £1,000 - £1,500
[CURTIS, William (1746-1799)] Instructions for collecting and preserving insects: particularly moths and...
Christie's
Jul. 05, 2023
Curtis (William) A Short History of the Brown-Tail Moth, first edition, hand-coloured engraved plate, B.White, 1782.
Est: £200 - £300
Curtis (William) A Short History of the Brown-Tail Moth, the Caterpillars of which are at present uncommonly numerous and destructive in the Vicinity of the Metropolis, 13pp., first edition, hand-coloured engraved frontispiece, title defective at upper corners not affecting text (neatly repaired), lacking pp.7-12 (supplied in facsimile) but with final leaf 'Explanation of the Plate' (lightly foxed), resewn in old wrappers, browned, [Hagen 152.3; Lisney 284], 4to, B.White [& others], 1782; sold not subject to return ⁂ "This brief treatise, which is the first published monograph on an insect, gives a most interesting account of a plague of the larvae of the Brown-Tail Moth...which occurred in the vicinity of London and, although several similar plagues have been noted since, this is apparently the earliest published record of such a phenomenon occurring in this country. It is an exceedingly rare book." (Lisney). The plate illustrates the insect in its various stages of development.
Forum Auctions - UK
May. 31, 2023
Hand Colored Botanical Stipple Engravings by William Curtis
Est: $100 - $200
Botanicals 12 colored stipple engravings on paper The Botanical Magazine William Curtis (English, 1746-1799) published by W. Curtis St. Geo. Cresent, 1794-1811 8 x 5 inches (plate) 9 x 5.5 inches (paper) unframed Overall fair condition. Stains and mold present to group mostly to paper perimeter. Most images in good condition without damage. Please see photos.
Lewis & Grant Auctions
May. 17, 2023
William Curtis (1746-1799): Botanicals: Four Plates
Est: $300 - $500
Four engravings in black with hand-coloring on laid paper, 1791, with labels from Peter Matern, Salzburg. All 9 x 5 1/2 in. (sheet), unframed. Chalet Espérance: The Collection of Jill and John Fairchild, Gstaad
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