A Report upon the Herculaneum Manuscripts (1811) - Page 10

A hand-colored botanical engraving of papyrus plants (Cyperus papyrus) in their natural habitat. In the center, a large cluster of stalks grows from a thick, fibrous root mass submerged in water, casting a detailed reflection on the surface. The stalks vary in height and maturity; some are topped with large, radiating green umbels (the fan-shaped flower heads), while others bear pointed, reddish-pink buds. The scene is set in a river or marsh, with a dense bank of green reeds or grasses in the middle ground and barren, tan-colored hills in the background under a pale blue sky. In the foreground, sandy banks with sparse grass and smaller papyrus plants frame the water.

Neele Sculp.^t Strand.

London, Published April 22^d. 1811 by Richard Phillips, N.^o 7 New Bridge Street.