Early 19th Century James Sowerby – Set of 8 Botanical and Natural History Prints – Tortula Tortuosa

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Presenting a captivating collection of eight authentic, hand-colored botanical and marine algae engravings by the esteemed English naturalist and illustrator … Read more Presenting a captivating collection of eight authentic, hand-colored botanical and marine algae engravings by the esteemed English naturalist and illustrator James Sowerby (1757–1822). These remarkable prints originate from Sowerby's monumental opus, "English Botany," published in London between 1790 and 1814.

Serving as a cornerstone of early 19th-century British natural history, Sowerby's meticulous copper-plate engravings capture the intricate structures of native flora with unparalleled scientific precision and artistic elegance. Each engraving in this set was originally printed on handmade paper and subsequently colored by hand to bring the botanical subjects to life.

This particular collection offers a fascinating cross-section of British ecology, featuring flowering plants, mosses, and marine algae. The eight subjects include the Twisted Tortula moss (Tortula tortuosa), Narrow-leaved Flax (Linum angustifolium), Common Viper’s Bugloss (Echium vulgare), Triangular Club-rush (Scirpus triqueter), Granulated Fucus seaweed (Fucus granulatus), Ribwort Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Red Capillary Fucus seaweed (Fucus capillaris), and Rigid-leaved Fork-moss (Dicranum rigidulum).

Item Specifications:
Artist and Illustrator: James Sowerby (1757–1822)
Medium: Original hand-colored copper-plate engravings
Publication: English Botany
Date: 1790 to 1814
Dimensions: Approximately 25 cm x 16 cm (9.8 inches x 6.3 inches) each

Acquired from Proverb Auctions in France in 2025. See less