Description: Delicately engraved on laid paper, this 17th-century print has a tactile quality that is emphasized by the paper texture, raised linework, and platemark. Likewise, the addition of a calligraphic text on the verso lends dimension and expository intrigue to the piece. As part of the oldest and most costly florilegium Hortus Eystettensis, this print is a valuable piece of history and an enchanting addition to antique and contemporary spaces alike. About Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis First published in 1613 by Nuremberg apothecary Basilius Besler, the monumental florilegium Hortus Eystettensis artistically records the flowering contents of the Garden of Eichstätt. Cultivated by Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen at his Bavarian residence, this garden boasted local and exotic flora from all over the known world. Besler’s folio constitutes 367 exquisitely engraved and lavishly colored plates that capture over 1,000 plant varietals cultivated in the garden. Rendered on large sheets of 22 ½ x 18 inch paper, Besler’s engravings emphasize the ornate qualities of the plants as he traces their progression throughout the seasonal calendar. The first edition of Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis can be distinguished from the Deluxe through the calligraphic text on the verso and no watermark in the paper. About Basilius Besler Basilius Besler was a Nuremberg apothecary who created one of the first great botanical folios, Hortus Eystettensis (Garden of Eichstätt), in 1613. Working at a time when botanical illustrations were used primarily to identify plants for medicinal purposes, Besler created a monumental florilegium that prioritized the beauty of the plants over their pharmacological usefulness. As a result, Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis acts as a transitional fulcrum in the history of botanical art between the association of plants as medicine to plants as objects of beauty. About Joel Oppenheimer GalleryThe Joel Oppenheimer Gallery has been specializing in fine antique natural history art for over fifty years. We offer a stunning and large inventory of the most significant artists of the 17th through 19th centuries with an emphasis on the original work of John James Audubon. Every print we offer through our gallery includes all required conservation. The offerings in our Ebay store represent exceptional values but are sold as is. We still stand behind the quality and authenticity and guarantee each work. If you should be interested in restoration of any work, please contact the gallery for special pricing including restoration. ConditionAll prints are sold AS-IS. These hand-colored lithographs w/gold leaf show expected condition issues such as darkening at the edges and minor text transfers. Please see the photos for actual conditions. The paper is blank on the back. All prints are guarantied authentic Gould Hummingbird prints. ShippingOrders ship next business day in sturdy materials through UPS. Shipping is free within the United States. International orders are shipped through Ebay’s Global Shipping Program. Ebay determines shipping costs for international orders. ReturnsReturns are accepted within 30 days of receiving the item. The print should be returned in the same condition it was sent and in the packaging the print was sent in. Thank you for visiting Joel Oppenheimer Gallery on Ebay!
Price: 750 USD
Location: Chicago, Illinois
End Time: 2024-10-26T17:39:55.000Z
Shipping Cost: 15 USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Artist: Basilius Besler
Unit of Sale: Single Piece
Size: Medium
Item Length: 0
Region of Origin: Illinois, USA
Framing: Unframed
Listed By: Dealer or Reseller
Unit Type: Unit
Year of Production: 1613
Item Height: 22 in
Style: Illustration Art
Features: 1st Edition, Poly sleeve
Unit Quantity: 1
Item Width: 16.5
Culture: Botany
Time Period Produced: Pre-1700
Image Orientation: Portrait
Signed: No
Material: Ink, Paper
Original/Licensed Reprint: Original
Subject: Botanical, Flowers, Plants
Type: Print
Theme: Floral, Natural History, Nature
Production Technique: Wood Engraving
Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany