HORTUS NITIDISSIMIS ... : Lilio - Narcissus I; Belladonna (print)
Original hand-coloured engraving drawn by Georg Ehret and executed by J. M. Seligmann. Image measures 19.9 x 14.2 inches (50.5 x 36 cm). Fine condition. Some cosmetic retouching in gouache. Matted and ready for framing. From Christoph Trew's magnificent HORTUS NITIDISSMIS OMNEM PER ANNUM SUPERBIENS FLORIBUS originally published in three volumes over a 36 year period from1750-1786. Painted in a more opaque gouache to resemble a painting rather than the traditional practice of using translucent water-colours that allowed more of the engraving to show through. Each piece was meant to capture the flower at the peak of it's beauty instead of focusing solely on scientific detail. Ehret contributed 44 of the 180 illustrations in the entire work and is the single most important botanical artist of the era. HORTUS NITIDISSIMIS is considered to be one of the most sumptuous of the florilegia. Being one of the most elusive of the great flower books, the opportunity to own one of these leaves is reserved for only the most discriminating collectors. Item #25246
Price: $5,950.00 save 40% $3,570.00