Orchid botanical lithographs from the Fitch Curtis Years


While our images are electronically watermarked, the antique prints themselves are not.

Polystachya Pubescens Orchid FCO17 $35
Each print measures approximately 5 1/2 inches by 9 inches

William Curtis began publication of the Botanical Magazine in February 1787 and continued almost without interruption for 160 years. After Curtis edited the first 13 volumes, the publication continued under the editors: John Simms (1800-1826), William Jackson Hooker (1827-1865) and Joseph Dalton Hooker (1865-1904). The images were engraved and hand-coloured by many artists including Sydenham Edwards, William Graves, James Sowerby, John Curtis, William Jackson Hooker, W.H. Fitch, Matilda Smith, Lillian Snelling and Stella Rose Craig. The plates are known for their fine detail and delicate hand coloring. The prints are all copper engravings to Volume 70 & then stone or zinc lithography until the introduction of color printing in 1948. It is the longest running botanical magazine and was entirely hand colored until 1948. References: Blunt (1994) pp 211 - 217, Great Flower Books pp 156 - 157, Nissen BPI 2350, Staflue 1290.

These Curtis prints are of those plants from Australia & New Zealand drawn by Walter Hood Fitch, during the long collaboration between Fitch and the editor of the magazine, Sir William Jackson Hooker. It was a partnership which lasted over 40 years, during which time Fitch was the sole artist for Curtis Botanical Magazine & Kew Gardens. Sadly, this creative partnership was dissolved after a financial dispute, which both parties regretted, but never resolved.

Walter Hood Fitch was the greatest botanical artist of his time and we are exceptionally pleased to have such a good selection of his finest work. The prints are much rarely than the earlier Curtis, as may fewer were published, so it is doubly satisfying to offer to Curtis collectors.

We accept credit cards & PayPal. Florida state residents pay Florida state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $9.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. International shipping starts at $35 for any number of prints, but may be more depending on the size of the prints and the country. Buyers are responsible for all customs duties. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 15 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, or send email to panteek@aol.com

Panteek ®
PANTEEK is a registered trademark

  


Click to Order

Click to Contact

Return to the Prints