Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Elisabeth Blackwell

This elegant botanical engraving depicts Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis), a plant long valued for its medicinal properties and gentle character. The composition presents the flowering stem in full development, accompanied by a large and carefully rendered root study that underscores the plant’s historical importance in apothecary practice.

Soft pink blossoms rise along a sturdy central stem, framed by broad, textured leaves rendered with confident shading and botanical clarity. The palette remains harmonious and restrained, allowing the natural grace of the plant to emerge without decorative excess. The prominent root, shown separately, adds sculptural weight and visual balance to the plate.

Produced in the early eighteenth century, this engraving forms part of A Curious Herbal (1737–1739), a foundational 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 organized along a calm vertical axis, with alternating leaves and blossoms creating a measured rhythm from base to crown. The softly coloured flowers introduce warmth and approachability, while the foliage provides visual grounding and depth.

The root study functions as a powerful counterpoint to the aerial portion of the plant, adding both scale and historical resonance. Its inclusion enhances the plate’s decorative appeal while reinforcing the engraving’s practical intent, resulting in a composition that feels both informative and visually complete.

About the Subject

Althaea officinalis, commonly known as marshmallow, was widely used in early modern medicine for its soothing and emollient qualities. The plant’s root, in particular, was valued in preparations intended to calm irritation and inflammation, making accurate identification essential. Blackwell’s engraving reflects this importance by presenting both the flowering habit and the substantial root system with equal care. Within A Curious Herbal, marshmallow exemplifies the work’s guiding purpose: to provide clear, trustworthy botanical references for plants used in everyday medical and household contexts, grounded in direct observation rather than idealized form.

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. A period watermark is visible on the sheet, consistent with contemporary papermaking practices. 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: Period watermark visible
• 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