When Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, Prince Bishop of Eichstaedt (a place about 60 kilometers north of Munich) gave the Nuremberg apothecary and botanist Basilius Besler (1561 - 1629) the order to publish a book with engravings of flowers and plants, he had something special in mind.The result of his efforts was more than special. It was magnificent. Divided into the four seasons of the year, Besler and his crew, among them famous Wolfgang Kilian of Augsburg, succeeded in creating the most spectacular flower book of all times. On 367 folio size plates (average size of printed surface 55 x 44 cm - 21.7 x 17.3") over 1000 flowers, representing 667 species are depicted. It took 16 years to complete this outstanding work. Copies of this book have become very rare as the demand for the beautiful prints has increased over the past years. Just look at our images and you'll see why.
Besler, Basilius. HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS . (THE GARDEN OF EICHSTAEDT)
Nuremberg, 1613
"Viola, five Varieties"
Engraved for The Besler Florilegium
Nuremberg, 1613
Hand-coloured engraving, excellent condition, minor foxing.
Conservation mounted and framed.
$3800
Colours are, of course, much more vivid and
rich than these images portray...
also, reflections
on glass show up here that are not on the actual engraving.)
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