Original hand-colored engraving after a botanical illustration by F.W. Smith of a Heliconia Braziliensis (Brazilian Heliconia, Bird of Paradise), from Joseph Paxtons Magazine of Botany Volume 2, London, 1836. Most of Paxton's floral prints had a sheet size of 9 x 6-1/4 inches. Rarely, large prints were issued with a sheet size of 12-1/2 x 9 inches, folded, such as this print. Presented in a new 3/4 inch wide black lacquer wood frame, conservation mat, and protected by Tru Vue Conservation Clear® glazing, created by an old-world master having over 30 years of experience framing fine art. Mat opening size: 12-1/4 x 8-1/4 inches; overall size with frame: 16-1/4 x 12-3/4 inches. The print is in excellent condition (three folds are as issued), never previously displayed, and once framed is stored in a controlled environment away from light. Sir Joseph Paxton (1803–1865) was an English gardener, architect, engineer and Member of Parliament, best known for designing the Crystal Palace, for cultivating the Cavendish banana (the most consumed banana in the Western World), and for Paxton’s Magazine of Botany, which was published in 16 volumes from 1834-49.