James Sowerby, “Cnicus eriophorus”, 1797

James Sowerby (1756/7–1822)

“Cnicus eriophorus” (aka Cirsium eriophorum)—more commonly known as the Woolly Thistle, Scotch Thistle, Heraldic Thistle or Cotton Thistle—1797, published in London by James Sowerby as plate 1118 to Sir James Edward Smith’s (1759–1828) “English Botany; or, Coloured Figures of British Plants, with their Essential Characters, Synonyms and Places of Growth” (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Botany).

Engraving with hand-colouring (as published) on fine buff coloured wove paper backed with a support sheet.

Size: (sheet) 19.8 x 11cm; (plate [soft impression]) 17.1 x 9.3cm.

Inscribed in plate: (lower left) “Cnicus eriophorus.”; (lower centre) “March 1^st. 1797. Published by J^[s?]. Sowerby, London.”; (upper right corner) 380/ 1118.”

Condition: a strong, well-printed and near faultlessly coloured impression laid upon a sheet of millennium quality washi paper providing wide margins. The sheet is in a near pristine condition with no tears, holes, folds, abrasions or stains.

I am selling this remarkably beautiful engraved illustration with hand-colouring (as published), for the total cost of AU$197 (approximately US$128.53, EUR 110.06 or GBP 96.11), including express mail shipping worldwide. Import duties, if any, are the responsibility of the buyer.

If you are interested in purchasing this spectacularly fine illustration of the Woolly Thistle, please contact me (oz_jim@printsandprinciples.com) and I will send you a PayPal invoice to make the payment easy.