The Bean (Vicia faba) – Original Hand-Colored Engraving by Elisabeth Blackwell

This refined botanical engraving depicts The Bean (Vicia faba), one of the most widely cultivated and historically significant food plants in Europe. The plate presents the plant in a clear and balanced composition, illustrating its upright growth, characteristic foliage, and flowering structure alongside detailed views of fruit and seed.

Broad, softly shaded leaves frame the central stem, while pale blossoms emerge at the nodes with restrained elegance. To the side, the opened pod and individual seed are shown with precision, reinforcing the engraving’s analytical purpose and its role as a practical visual reference.

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 :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} herself.

— • —

Visual and Aesthetic Analysis

The composition is calm and architectural, built around a strong vertical axis that gives the plant a dignified presence. The alternating leaves create a steady visual rhythm, while the auxiliary details—pod and seed—are positioned to maintain clarity without disturbing the overall balance.

The restrained palette and generous use of negative space contribute to a sense of order and legibility. This visual simplicity, combined with careful observation, gives the engraving a timeless quality that reads as both informative and quietly decorative.

About the Subject

Vicia faba, commonly known as the broad bean or fava bean, has been cultivated since antiquity and held a central place in European agriculture and diet. In early modern herbals, the plant was valued not only as a staple food source but also for its presence in household remedies and agricultural knowledge. Accurate visual identification of flowers, pods, and seeds was essential, particularly in an era when written descriptions were often supplemented—or replaced—by images. Blackwell’s engraving reflects this practical tradition, presenting the bean as a complete and intelligible subject rooted in everyday life, cultivation, and use.

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