Pl. 328 by Elizabeth Blackwell

Pl. 328 by Elizabeth Blackwell

C. 1747

Hand Colored Engraving

Designated as Plate 328 (Fraxinus excelsior, European ash or Eschenbaum) in Elizabeth Blackwell’s 18th-century masterwork, A Curious Herbal, this hand-colored copperplate engraving illustrates a prominent leafy branch of the classic forest tree. The composition showcases opposite, pinnately compound leaves with serrated leaflets alongside clusters of winged samara seeds (keys), flanked at the top by minute flower dissections. Highly valued in traditional herbal medicine for the astringent properties of its bark and leaves, the ash tree held deep symbolic associations with strength, resilience, and protection in European folklore. Detailed line engraving and rich green watercolor washes highlight the texture of the foliage, anchored along the bottom by formal Latin and German script.

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