Besler Engraving, 1. Christophoriana, 2. Filipendula

BESLER, Basilius (1561-1629).
1. Christophoriana, 2. Filipendula vulgaris.
Engraving with original hand color from Horus Eystettensis.
Eichstatt and Nuremburg, 1613-40.
22 1/4" x 17 3/4" sheet.

Besler's great botanical work is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification. It is also one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works produced to date. Besler was an apothecary and botanist who managed the gardens of Bishop Johann Conrad in Eichstatt, Germany. This Bishop's garden was one of the largest in Europe, containing a variety of shrubs and flowering plants. Besler used this resource as the basis for Hortus Eystettenis, observing and depicting over a thousand flowers, representing over 667 species. Besler worked as both an artist and publisher with the bishop's patronage, crafting 374 plates over 16 years with his team of artists. Besler attempted to classify these plants 150 years before Linnaeus created his system of classification.