Hortus Eystettensis - 2nd Edition - Antique Originals

Published circa 1640, the Second edition of Basilius Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis can be differentiated from previous editions in that it is printed on warm, grainy paper and has no text on the verso. Compiled by Nuremberg apothecary Basilius Besler, the monumental florilegium artistically records the flowering contents of the Garden of Eichstätt. Cultivated by Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen at his Bavarian residence, this garden boasted local and exotic flora from all over the known world. Besler’s folio constitutes 367 exquisitely engraved and lavishly colored plates that capture over 1,000 plant varietals cultivated in the garden. Rendered on large sheets of 22 ½ x 18 inch paper, Besler’s engravings emphasize the ornate qualities of the plants as he traces their progression throughout the seasonal calendar.