Vervain

Artist Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Engraver Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Colorist Elizabeth Blackwell (English, 1699 – 1758)

Date1737

Mediumcopper plate engraving on paper, hand-colored

Dimensions14 1/2 × 9 inches (36.8 × 22.9 cm)

Credit LineBequest of H.J. Lutcher Stark, 1965

Object number11.40.1.A.041_Vervain

ClassificationsInformation Artifacts

Label TextElizabeth Blackwell wrote that verbena was “good against Diseases arising from cold and phlegmatic causes. It opens obstructions of the Liver and Spleen, helps the Jaundice and Gout.” Blackwell began producing an herbal as a way to make income, since her husband Alexander was in debtor’s prison. For her two-volume publication she drew over 500 plants, prepared the text, engraved the plates, and colored the engravings.

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

On View

Not on view