Black Alder (Alnus nigra) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Elisabeth Blackwell

This refined botanical engraving depicts Black Alder (Alnus nigra, as recorded in the plate), presented with an elegant simplicity that highlights both botanical structure and decorative balance. A branching stem carries a rhythm of softly shaded leaves and small dark fruits, offering a clear visual account of the plant’s habit and seasonal character.

Blackwell’s hand-colouring is notably restrained and sophisticated: deep greens model the leaves with gentle tonal depth, while the dark berries punctuate the composition with measured contrast. The overall effect is calm, architectural, and remarkably modern in its minimal use of space.

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 built around a branching, upward gesture that feels both natural and curated. Leaves are distributed in a measured cadence, creating visual fullness without heaviness, while the fruit clusters act as dark accents that sharpen the plate’s rhythm and refine its overall balance.

The generous negative space is an integral part of the aesthetic: it isolates the subject like a botanical portrait and allows each element—leaf, stem, and fruit—to remain legible at a glance. This quiet clarity gives the engraving a strong contemporary presence, particularly suited to refined interior settings.

About the Subject

“Black alder” appears in historic herbal literature in connection with practical household and apothecary traditions, where bark and related plant materials were frequently described for their astringent associations and everyday utility. In the world of early modern medicine, reliable identification mattered: foliage and fruiting habit could help distinguish plants that might otherwise appear similar in the landscape. Blackwell’s plate emphasizes these defining markers—leaf form, branching structure, and the presence of small dark fruits—aligning with the purpose of A Curious Herbal: to offer clear, trustworthy visual references grounded in observation and usable knowledge.

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