In keeping with the times many publications covering Natural History (Natural Science) were illustrated with carefully prepared artistic renderings. The workmanship of these artisans is greatly valued today. Many of the works have been bound into volumes. In many cases the illustration pages are cut from the books and framed as fine decorator prints. The result, broken bindings and missing pages destroy the reference value of these books. It is our hope that our readers will view and print framable copies from this site rather than destroy these valuable pieces of antiquity.

William Curtis began the publication of The Botanical Magazine in February 1787 with a desire to enlighten those who enjoy the pleasures of gardening and botany. After Curtis, edited the first 13 volumes, the publication continued under the editors: John Simms (1800-1826), William Jackson Hooker (1827-1865) and Joseph Dalton Hooker (1865-1904). The images were engraved and hand-colored by many artists including Sydenham Edwards, William Graves, James Sowerby, John Curtis, William Jackson Hooker, W.H. Fitch, Matilda Smith, Lillian Snelling and Stella Rose Craig. The plates are known for their fine detail and delicate hand coloring.

• Persian Iris --- Plate No. 1
  
• Iris Pumila --- Plate No. 09
  
• Variegated Iris --- Plate No. 16
  
• Iris Versicolor --- Plate No. 21
  
• Siberian Iris --- Plate No. 50
  
• Spurious Iris --- Plate No. 58
  
• Chalcedonian Iris --- Plate No. 91
  
• Chinese Iris --- Plate No. 373
  
• Iris Florentina --- Plate No. 671
  
• Iris Spuria --- Plate No. 1131
  
  

There are several sources of iris prints on the internet. Some of those you may want to check out include;

• Watercolors by Clif Hadfield are sold by Cooleys Gardens in Oregon: (click here)
  
• Serigraphs of the stylized paintings of Lowell Nesbitt show up from time to time on ebay: (click hear for current search results)
  
• Iris Garden and other flower prints by Marilyn Hageman can be found at several of the internet print dealers: (here is one)
  Note: be sure to check the IRIS GALLERY BUTTON at this website to view over 1,000 additional iris prints.