I. Colocasia [gabi], II. Pseudocolocynthis pyri forma III. Cucurbita Arantij forma. [squash]

Description

hand-coloured copper engraving.

VERY RARE superb botanical print from ‘Hortus Eystettensis’, one of the earliest and most stunning Botanical Books ever created. It is based on the garden of the Eichstaett/Bavaria Bishop, Prince von Gemmingen, whilst destroyed by Swedish troops, later restored and maintained for many years.
Besler, an apothecary & botanist from Nuremberg, Germany, took 16 years to complete the original drawings: 367 plates, more than 1000 species; 10 artists & engravers were ionvolved.
The work was completed in 1613 and 300 copies were issued. Later editions appeared in 1640 & 1713.