Vibrant Indian Cress Engraving - Icones Plantarum Medicinalium, 1788
€ 290
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Date
1788
Sheet size
48 × 34 cm (18.9 × 13.4 in)
Condition
Good
Reference
BG-13747-5
Condition
Good condition with signs of aging, especially around the edges. The paper exhibits a mild patina and some edge wear indicative of its historical age. The colors remain vibrant. Some scribblings from a previous owner, adding to its patina.
About this sheet
"Vibrant Indian Cress Engraving - Icones Plantarum Medicinalium, 1788"
This striking hand-colored engraving from Joseph Jakob Plenck's "Icones Plantarum Medicinalium" depicts the Indian Cress (Tropaeolum majus), known for its vivid orange-red flowers and distinctive rounded leaves. Published in 1788 in Vienna, this piece showcases the plant’s entire structure, including its flowing vines and seed pods, highlighting both its beauty and medicinal properties.
About the Work "Icones Plantarum Medicinalium" stands out in botanical art for its detailed and accurate illustrations of medicinal plants, intended to educate and inform about their uses in healing and medicine. Joseph Jakob Plenck’s work is notable for merging scientific detail with artistic skill, making it a valuable resource for both botanists and herbalists of the time. It remains an important historical document in the study of medicinal plants.
Condition Report The engraving is in very good condition, maintaining clarity and color integrity. There are minor signs of aging, such as slight edge discoloration, which are typical for paper of this age. The colors of the plant are particularly well-preserved, with the reds and greens appearing vibrant, suggesting it has been kept away from light exposure. The paper size, roughly 48 x 34 cm, perfectly accommodates the sprawling nature of the plant, allowing each part to be clearly visible and appreciated.
