Male Fir or Silver Fir (Abies alba) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Elisabeth Blackwell

This refined botanical engraving depicts the Male Fir, or Silver Fir (Abies alba), presenting a branch with needles, upright cones, and detailed seed elements arranged for accurate botanical study.

The composition is organized around a straight central axis, from which horizontal branches extend with regular symmetry. The short, evenly spaced needles create a dense yet orderly texture, while the upright cones introduce a vertical counterpoint that distinguishes this species from other conifers illustrated in the work.

Created in the early eighteenth century, this plate belongs to A Curious Herbal, a foundational medical and botanical work distinguished by the unity of its production, in which drawing, copper engraving, and hand-colouring were executed by the same hand.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The upright habit of the cones establishes a clear visual identity, contrasting with the drooping or pendant forms seen in other fir and spruce species. This structural clarity gives the composition a calm, architectural quality, reinforced by the balanced spacing of the branches.

Soft tonal transitions model the needles with depth while maintaining sharp definition, and the muted browns of the cones provide subtle emphasis without overwhelming the palette. The overall effect is one of restraint and botanical authority.

About the Subject

The male or silver fir (Abies alba) was distinguished in early botanical and medical literature for its upright cones, resin, and aromatic young shoots. Its resin was generally regarded as milder and more refined than that of other conifers, and was commonly used in soothing balms, plasters, and external preparations. Because fir species could differ significantly in resin quality and medicinal application, accurate visual identification was essential. Blackwell’s emphasis on cone orientation, needle arrangement, and seed structure reflects this practical need, presenting the tree as a specific medicinal resource rather than a generic conifer.

Condition Report

The engraving is in very good antique condition, printed on original handmade laid paper typical of early 18th-century botanical publications. A period watermark is visible on the sheet, consistent with contemporary papermaking practices. The surface remains stable and clean, with light, even age-related toning. Very light offsetting is visible across the sheet, particularly within the area occupied by the subject, unobtrusive and consistent with historical printing or storage practices. The impression remains clear and legible, with well-preserved margins. The engraved credit “Eliz. Blackwell delin. sculp. et pinx.” is present and fully legible, confirming the unified authorship of the plate.

Details

• Artist: Elisabeth Blackwell
• Work / Publication: A Curious Herbal
• Period: 1737–1739
• Technique: Original copper engraving, drawn, engraved, and hand-colored by Elisabeth Blackwell
• Paper: Original handmade laid paper
• Watermark: Period watermark visible
• Sheet size: approx. 37 × 22 cm

For further context on Elisabeth Blackwell and the unified authorship behind A Curious Herbal, see our editorial feature:

Elisabeth Blackwell – A Curious Herbal