Pl. 326 by Elizabeth Blackwell

Pl. 326 by Elizabeth Blackwell

C. 1747

Hand Colored Engraving

Plate 326 (Rubia tinctorum, dyer's madder or Färber Röthe) from Elizabeth Blackwell’s 18th-century masterwork, A Curious Herbal, offers a striking, multi-part study of this historically vital dye plant. The composition depicts the plant's whorled, lance-shaped leaves, branching stems, tiny yellowish blossoms, and clusters of dark berries, while highlighting the distinctively thick, reddish-brown root structure at the lower right. Renowned since antiquity as a primary source for vibrant crimson dye as well as a medicinal remedy, madder was associated in botanical lore with transformation, utility, and enduring color. Fine line engraving and hand-applied watercolor washes vividly bring out the contrast between the green foliage, dark berries, and terracotta roots, grounded by calligraphic Latin and German script along the bottom banner.

Created by Elizabeth Blackwell (1699–1758), a pioneering Scottish illustrator, this engraving represents a heroic achievement in scientific publishing. Facing financial ruin after her husband was imprisoned for debt, she undertook the extraordinary task of drawing, engraving, and hand-coloring 500 plates to secure his release. Published between 1737 and 1739 and lauded by the Royal College of Physicians, the project established a crucial precedent for women in science by proving a self-taught female artist could single-handedly produce a cornerstone medical reference.

Dimensions: H 15 1/2”x 10”W

Condition: Slight toning