Biblical Botanical Print – Dudaim Melon Engraving by Corvinus, 1731

About this sheet

Dudaim Melon Botanical Engraving – Corvinus after Scheuchzer, 1731

This antique botanical print, titled ‘Dudaim, Melo, Pepo, Luffah,’ depicts the Dudaim Melon (Cucumis melo var. dudaim) alongside flowering vines and fruits in striking baroque style. It originates from Johann Jakob Scheuchzer’s monumental work Physica Sacra (1731–1735), often referred to as the Kupfer-Bibel, one of the most ambitious natural history and biblical illustration projects of the early 18th century. Scheuchzer sought to harmonize scripture with science, explaining Old Testament events through natural philosophy, medicine, and physics.

Engraved by Johann August Corvinus, the plate demonstrates the precision and artistry typical of Augsburg’s golden age of printmaking. The Dudaim Melon, referenced in biblical texts, was thought to be imbued with mystical and medicinal properties, making this image both a botanical study and a reflection of contemporary theological thought.

Collectors value Physica Sacra prints for their unique combination of natural history, biblical interpretation, and elaborate artistic presentation. This example shows the lush fruiting bodies, leaves, and blossoms with exceptional detail, making it a fine piece for both scientific and decorative interest.

Condition report: Very good impression on strong paper. Some light age toning in the margins, with minor spotting consistent with age. Plate mark clearly visible. Image area clean and sharp.

Framing tips: This engraving pairs well with a dark green or walnut-brown wooden frame, ideally with a cream or off-white mat to highlight the fine linework. For a more dramatic presentation, a gold-leaf frame with deep bevel matting would emphasize its baroque origins.