Basilius Besler (German, 1561-1629). "I. Ornithogalum Nea politanum, II. Hyacinthus Hispanicus flore violaceo, III. Hyacinthus Hispanicus flore incarnaio," a hand-colored copper plate engraving from the first large folio natural history botanical entitled "Hortus Eystettensis sive Diligens et Accurata Omnium Plantarum . . .", Eichstatt & Nuremberg, the FIRST EDITION, published in 1613. An outstanding depiction of three floral specimens, visually impressive as well as skillfully drawn and hand colored by European botanical master Basilius Besler. Besler had a gift for creating rhythmic compositions and presenting images that were both informative - depicting the specimens from the roots and stems to the flowers - and visually engaging. What's more, each engraving was complimented with calligraphic lettering. Besler's works are widely regarded as among the most fabulous works of botanical illustration of all time. Set in a gorgeous custom mat. Size: 21.5" L x 17" W (54.6 cm x 43.2 cm); 25.5" L x 22" W (64.8 cm x 55.9 cm) with mat
Basilius Besler was a Nuremberg apothecary who was fortunate enough to have the Prince Bishop of Eicstatt (near Nuremberg) as a patron. Besler was in charge of the elite bishop's extensive gardens, and thanks to the financial support of his patron, he was able to take on an ambitious botanical illustration project. Over a period of sixteen years, Besler created detailed drawings which, with the assistance of six skilled engravers, became two immense folio volumes - including 374 plates depicting more than one thousand flower specimens. Besler presented the plants as life size and arranged the prints according to the seasons. Besler's immense florilegium was by all accounts the largest and most comprehensive early work of this genre.
Besler hand-colored engravings from the 1st edition of "Hortus Eystettensis sive Diligens et Accurata Omnium Plantarum . . ." (1615), like this example, usually retail for about $3000 or more at galleries. For similar examples, see listings at galleries like that of Joel Oppenheimer.
Provenance: Mary Williams Fine Art LLC, Boulder, Colorado, USA
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#151793
Condition
Only slight age wear. Minor stain at lower right (mostly in margin). Minute nicks to peripheries of sheet and a few handwritten gallery notes at lower margin that do not interfere with the imagery. Protected in a custom mat with a cellophane window. One can see text that was printed on the verso. This, in combination with the dimensions of this engraving, confirms that it comes from the 1st edition.