“Curtis’s Botanical Magazine,” initiated by William Curtis in 1787, stands as the world’s longest-running botanical periodical, renowned for its detailed illustrations and comprehensive plant descriptions. Volume 10, published in 1796, continues this tradition by showcasing a variety of ornamental plants, many of which were newly introduced to European gardens at the time. The magazine’s primary aim was to provide gardeners, botanists, and plant enthusiasts with accurate visual and textual information to aid in the identification and cultivation of these species.

Each entry in Volume 10 features a hand-colored engraving accompanied by descriptive text. The illustrations were crafted from living specimens, ensuring accuracy in color and form. The descriptive text provides botanical classifications, habitat information, flowering periods, and cultivation tips. This combination of visual and textual data made the magazine an invaluable resource for understanding plant diversity and cultivation practices during the late 18th century.

The production of these illustrations was labor-intensive, involving copper engraving and meticulous hand-coloring by a team of colorists. Despite challenges in maintaining uniformity across prints, the magazine’s commitment to quality ensured that each illustration served as both an artistic and scientific record. This dedication to precision contributed to the magazine’s reputation as a premier journal for botanical illustration.

Volume 10 exemplifies the magazine’s role in documenting and disseminating knowledge about plant species, many of which were exotic to European gardeners. By providing detailed illustrations and cultivation information, “Curtis’s Botanical Magazine” not only enhanced botanical knowledge but also influenced horticultural practices, encouraging the introduction and propagation of diverse plant species in European gardens.