About this sheet
Antique botany print of Ecballium Elaterium, also known as the squirting cucumber or exploding cucumber. It gets its unusual name from the fact that, when ripe, it squirts a stream of mucilaginous liquid containing its seeds, which can be seen with the naked eye. This print originates from 'Curtis's botanical magazine'.
Artists and Engravers: Curtis's Botanical Magazine is the longest running botanical periodical featuring colour illustrations of plants. Curtis's Botanical Magazine has been published continuously since 1787, although there have been several series within the overall sequence. From 1984 to 1994 the magazine appeared under the title of The Kew Magazine. In 1995 the publication returned to its roots and the historical and popular name Curtis's Botanical Magazine again took precedence.
We also offer thousands of antique prints covering fields of interest as diverse as architecture, natural history, religion, ethnology and many more.They were the product of engraved, etched or lithographed plates. These plates were handmade out of wood or metal, which required an incredible level of skill, patience and craftsmanship. Whether you have a house with Victorian furniture or more contemporary decor an old engraving can enhance your living space.