Besler (Basilius). Flos Solis maior, Eichstatt [1713]

Besler (Basilius). Flos Solis maior (from the Hortus Eystettensis), Eichstatt [1713], engraving with fine early hand-colouring, slight toning and marginal fraying, 490 x 410 mm, overall size 570 x 445 mm, Latin text on verso (Quantity: 1) Nissen 158. Originally published in the Hortus Eystettensis (The Garden of Eichstatt), the sunflower is widely regarded as the finest and most impressive of the 367 botanical prints that make up this outstanding florilegium of the 17th century. What makes the Hortus so unique is that instead of portraying medicinal or culinary plants, the emphasis was on garden flowers, herbs, vegetables and exotic plants. First published in 1613, only 300 copies were printed and there were two subsequent editions, published in 1640 and 1713.