Botany · 16th century
€ 1 440
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Very good impressions with wide margins, except one. Some mild toning and foxing typical of age. Slight binding traces along the left edge but otherwise clean and well-preserved examples on strong laid paper.
Set of Three De Bry Botanical Engravings of Indian Fruits and Spices, c.1598 – Pineapple, Mango, and Pepper
An exceptional trio of original copper engravings from Theodor de Bry’s Petits Voyages (Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601), each with its full Latin text. These finely detailed images document the exotic fruit trees and spice plants of India and the East Indies, as described by early Dutch and Portuguese explorers.
1. Adumbratio Ananas, Bettele, Palmae Dactyliferae, Samaca & Mangos
Depicts a lush tropical landscape featuring the pineapple (Ananas), the betel vine, the date palm, the samaca, and the mango tree. The scene celebrates the abundance of tropical fruit in the Indies and highlights the pineapple as the most delightful of all for its sweetness and aroma. The betel plant is also shown climbing slender canes, whose leaves were widely chewed with areca nut.
2. Idea Lantor, Assa, Pimenta del Rabo, Talasse, Mangostans & Piperis
A complex composition showing several spice and fruit plants: the tamarind (Assa), pepper (Pimenta del Rabo), the talasse herb, and mangosteen. The text identifies them as valued sources of food and trade, prized by local inhabitants and European merchants alike. The image captures early European fascination with tropical spices and aromatics found in Java and the Indian archipelago.
3. Aliarum Quarundam Arborum et Fructuum Indicorum Delineatio
Features additional tropical trees and fruits, including the jackfruit (Iaca) and the breadfruit, both shown in rich detail. The text describes their enormous size and nutritional value, noting their importance to the diet of islanders in the Indian Ocean and Bali. This plate reflects De Bry’s characteristic balance between scientific observation and artistic elegance.
Together, these engravings form one of the most engaging botanical suites from De Bry’s influential series, showing how 16th-century Europeans sought to understand and classify the natural wealth of the East Indies.
Condition: Very good impressions with wide margins, except one. Some mild toning and foxing typical of age. Slight binding traces along the left edge but otherwise clean and well-preserved examples on strong laid paper.
Framing tips: This trio is ideal for display as a coordinated set in narrow gilt or ebonized frames with ivory mats. Their refined engraving lines and exotic subject matter lend sophistication to both classical and tropical interiors.
Technique: Copper engraving with Latin letterpress text on laid paper
Maker: Theodor de Bry (1528–1598), Frankfurt am Main, circa 1598–1601
