Basilius Besler (German, 1561-1629). "Aristolochia Vulgaris flore purpureo. II Laureola. III Cornus. IIII Crocus Vernus flore violaceo." 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 four floral specimens, visually impressive and 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 stunning custom frame and ready for display. Size of engraving: 20.25" L x 16.375" W (51.4 cm x 41.6 cm) Size of frame: 30.25" L x 26.25" W (76.8 cm x 66.7 cm)
Basilius Besler was a Nuremberg apothecary who was fortunate enough to have the Prince Bishop of Eicstatt (near Nuremberg) as a patron. In the early 17th century, Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince and bishop of Eichstatt in Bavaria, Germany created a most impressive and likely the first comprehensive botanical garden dedicated to flowering plants. The garden even included exotic flowers imported from the Ottoman Empire and the Americas. 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. Because of his devotion to trace the blooming flowers throughout all four seasons of the year, Besler's work is sometimes called the Four Seasons.
Provenance: private Denver, Colorado, USA collection
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#164769
Condition
Engraving has not been examined outside the frame. Nice plate mark. Text on verso of sheet is discernible. Sheet shows with some minor crease marks and stains. Otherwise very nice. Custom frame is excellent and wired for display.