A Curious Herbal
Author
Elizabeth Blackwell
(Scottish, c. 1707 - 1758)
Artist
Elizabeth Blackwell
(Scottish, c. 1707 - 1758)
Engraver
Elizabeth Blackwell
(Scottish, c. 1707 - 1758)
Colorist
Elizabeth Blackwell
(Scottish, c. 1707 - 1758)
Date1737
Mediumcopper plate engraving on paper; hand-colored
Dimensions14 1/2 x 9 inches (36.8 x 22.9 cm)
Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965
Object number11.40.1.A
ClassificationsInformation Artifacts
Description1737, London, 252 plates with a description of each; an alphabetical index in English following plate 252; Blackwell did all the art work; bound in red Levant morocco, gold tooling.Label TextBlackwell began producing an herbal as a way to make income, since her husband Alexander was in debtor’s prison. She drew over 500 plants, prepared the text, engraved the plates, and colored the engravings. Her depiction of the Night-Shade, Solanum hortense, conveyed the visual appeal of the plant. Her text cited primarily beneficial qualities. She said to use it for inflammations, swellings, the shingles, and other eruptions. The plant appears to be related to deadly nightshade.
ProvenancePurchased February 17, 1962 through (Nada Kramar, Washington, D.C.) by H.J. Lutcher Stark [1887-1965]; bequeathed September 2, 1965 to the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art
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