Doryanthes excelsa and Rafflesia arnoldii: two “swagger prints” by Edward Smith Weddell (1796-1858), and the work of the Weddell family of engravers (1814-1852)

摘要

Biographical details of a significant family firm of early nineteenth-century botanical engravers are presented for the first time; in particular for Henry Hopkins Weddell (1794-1838), his brother Edward Smith Weddell (1796-1858) and their step-father John Warner (?1753-?1819). Two large presentation engravings (“swagger prints”), both privately published in 1826, are discussed - Doryanthes excelsa made for Walter Frederick Campbell of Islay and Rafflesia arnoldii commissioned by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Also discussed are botanical aspects of the two plants and the history of their representation; brief biographical details of Raffles and Campbell are also provided. A catalogue of the firm’s prints is appended.