Red Poppy (Papaver, rubrum, erraticum, rhoeas), A Curious Herbal – Elizabeth Blackwell (1737) – Botanical Canvas Print

Published in 1737 as part of A Curious Herbal, Elizabeth Blackwell’s illustration of the red poppy (Papaver rubrum erraticum, rhoeas) captures the delicate structure and vivid color of one of Europe’s most recognizable wildflowers. Created as a reference for medicinal study, the plate combines scientific clarity with refined decorative presence.

The composition presents the plant in full – root, stem, leaves, bud, and open bloom – allowing for careful observation of its botanical characteristics. The fragile, translucent petals are rendered in rich crimson tones, contrasted against finely detailed foliage and seed pods. Blackwell’s precise engraving and hand-coloring give the image both instructional value and visual vibrancy.

As part of one of the earliest comprehensive herbals produced in the eighteenth century, this work reflects the Enlightenment’s dedication to cataloging and understanding the natural world. The red poppy plate remains a striking example of botanical illustration, where accuracy and aesthetic grace are held in equal measure.

 

🖨️ Print features:

– Sustainable canvas stretched on radial pine frame

– Unique canvas coating for top-notch image quality

– Soft rubber dots on bottom back corners for support

– Safe latex inks for non-toxic printing

– Back hanging included

– Inner frame made with radiata pine sourced from renewable forests

– Please note: Due to the production process of the canvases, please allow for slight size deviations with a tolerance +/- 1/8″ (3.2mm)

– Care instructions: If the canvas does gather any dust, you may wipe it off gently with a clean, damp cloth.

 

🚚 Fulfillment, Shipping, and Return Policy:

– Printed and shipped from the U.S.

– As our items are unique and made to order, we can only accept a return or exchange in the event that an item arrives damaged or misprinted. We cannot accept returns if you order the wrong size or change your mind. Any return requests must be made within 14 days of receiving the order.

 

💬 Questions? Looking for something else, or want something in a different size? Feel free to reach out anytime; we’ll see what we can do!