Great Figwort (Scrophularia major) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Elisabeth Blackwell

This finely observed botanical engraving depicts the Great Figwort (Scrophularia major), presented with a composed vertical structure and clear emphasis on flowering habit, foliage, and diagnostic detail. The plant is shown in full development, accompanied by an enlarged view of the root, reinforcing the practical and medical intent of the original publication.

Blackwell’s confident line work and restrained colouring give the plate a calm authority: slender branching stems carry clustered red blossoms, while the broad green leaves provide visual weight and anchoring planes. A small caterpillar is illustrated on the stem, a vivid observational element that suggests the plant’s real-life environment and the natural interactions surrounding it.

Produced in the early eighteenth century, this engraving forms part of A Curious Herbal (1737–1739), a landmark botanical and medical work distinguished by the rare unity of authorship in which drawing, copper engraving, and hand-colouring were executed by Elisabeth Blackwell herself.

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Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The composition is structured around a strong upright axis, with branching flower heads creating a balanced, airy crown. The foliage introduces a measured rhythm of overlapping forms, and the plate’s generous negative space amplifies the sense of refinement and clarity.

The enlarged root detail at the side adds sculptural contrast and historical character, recalling the practical needs of early herbal readers who relied on whole-plant recognition. The small caterpillar—placed directly on the stem—functions as a subtle narrative accent, enhancing the plate’s authenticity and quietly modern naturalism.

About the Subject

In early modern herbal medicine, figworts (Scrophularia) were widely recorded for their perceived usefulness in traditional remedies, particularly in contexts associated with external applications and “cooling” preparations. The name “figwort” itself reflects historical associations with swellings and skin-related conditions, and accurate identification mattered because several related plants could present similar leaves and growth habits. Blackwell’s illustration emphasizes key markers—upright branching stems, clustered tubular flowers, and characteristic foliage—offering a dependable visual reference for readers navigating a pharmacopeia grounded in observation. The inclusion of the root detail further reinforces this practical purpose, aligning the plate with the book’s guiding ambition: clarity, reliability, and real-world usability.

Condition Report

The engraving is preserved in like brand new antique condition, printed on original handmade laid paper typical of early eighteenth-century botanical publications. No watermark is visible on the sheet. The surface remains clean and stable, with a crisp impression and fresh original hand-colouring throughout. No notable defects are present. The engraved credit “Eliz. Blackwell delin. sculp. et pinx.” is fully legible, confirming that the drawing, engraving, and hand-colouring were executed by Elisabeth Blackwell herself.

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: None observed
• Sheet size: approx. 37 × 22 cm

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

Elisabeth Blackwell – A Curious Herbal