Johann Christoph Volkhamer
Lauro (Laurel)
1708

Name: Lauro (Laurel)
Brand: Johann Christoph Volkhamer
Price: 2100 USD
Availability: InStock

About the Item

JOHANN CHRISTOPH VOLCKAMER (1662-1744). Nurnbergische Hesperides, Oder Grunliche Beschreibung der Elden Citronat, Citronen,und Pomerantzen Fruchte. Drawn by Decker and Volckamer. Engraved by Glotsch, Kenckel, Krieger, Montalegre, Pfan and Steinberger. Engraving with later hand-color. Nuremberg, 1708. 115 plates Vol I, 132 plates Vol II ( 1714). Of all fruit-bearing trees, orange and lemon trees were the most attractive to seventeenth and eighteenth century botanists, gardeners, art lovers and painters. Orangeries were tremendously popular--almost every residence, palace, botanical garden and university possessed one--and, exotic and sweet-smelling, they became a favorite area for strolling, painting, and contemplation. Versailles, Fontainebleau and Meudon favored orange, lemon, pomegranate and jasmine grown in pots or wooden tubs placed around their terraces and flower beds. Rare plants and fruits cultivated in conservatories were the pride of their owners and gardeners. The marvels of these gardens were often recorded to immortalize the successes of the collections. Volckamer, who was a wealthy Nuremberg merchant, had a fine orangery, and engaged a variety of artists and engravers--among the latter being Paul Dedker--to execute his plates, which were uncolored and later finished by hand. The plates are most interesting and unique as the fruit is depicted on a large scale at the top of the plate before a background of a view of a garden, building, landscape or village. Some views of small town gardens show very clearly details of the formal gardens and were valued highly for this information alone. Clearly influenced by Ferrarius, Italy, 1646, the fruit are tied up with ribbons as though for country dances through the streets. Drawn in gouache and watercolor, sometimes on a leafy branch, the ribbons bearing the name of each species were added in the final engravings. Generally the fruit was shown whole or cut in two horizontally to highlight its flesh and seeds. These species, their size, shape, color, frangrance and taste, made them unique and exotic to a world hungry for information of foreign lands. Truly an extraordinary work, its value is tri-fold: the charming landscapes and architecture; the fruits themselves; and, most notably, their eccentric presentation. Reference: Great FlowerBooks 1700-1900. Sitwell. Atlantic Monthly Press. NY, 1990. Flower & Fruit Prints. Dunthorne. Da Capo Press. Washington, D.C., 1938.

Creator:

Johann Christoph Volkhamer (1644 - 1720, German)

Creation Year:

1708

Dimensions:

Height: 24 in (60.96 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)

Medium:

Engraving

Movement & Style:

Academic

Period:

18th Century and Earlier

Condition:

Clean, crisp image. Framed to museum specifications using archival matting, backing, hinging. Linen matting. Glazed with ultra-violet filtering Plexiglas.

Gallery Location:

Florham Park, NJ

Reference Number:

Seller: 2015 07-08-151stDibs: LU652467202

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Johann Christoph Volkhamer

Johann Christoph Volckamer (1644-1720) was a renowned botanical artist whose exquisite illustrations and detailed engravings captured the beauty and intricacy of the plant kingdom. Born in the early 17th century, Johann Volckamer hailed from the city of Nuremberg in Germany. While not much is known about his early life, his passion for botanical art soon propelled him into the realm of fame and recognition. Volckamer's artistic talent and keen eye for detail were evident in his botanical illustrations. He meticulously depicted various species of plants, flowers, and fruits, showcasing their vibrant colors, delicate structures, and natural elegance. His artworks not only possessed aesthetic appeal but also served as valuable scientific records of botanical specimens. One of Volckamer's notable achievements was his renowned work titled "Nürnbergische Hesperides" (Nuremberg Hesperides). Published in the early 18th century, this ambitious project comprised three volumes of meticulously hand-colored copperplate engravings. It showcased a remarkable collection of citrus fruits, including oranges, lemons, and other citrus varieties, as well as accompanying flowers and leaves. The vivid and lifelike depictions of these fruits made the publication highly sought after by collectors, botanists, and horticulturists of the time. Volckamer's botanical illustrations were highly regarded not only for their artistic merit but also for their scientific accuracy. His attention to detail and commitment to capturing the true essence of each plant earned him acclaim within the botanical community. His works were highly regarded by renowned botanists and scholars of the era, including his contemporaries such as Carl Linnaeus. Although much of Volckamer's life remains shrouded in mystery, his contributions to the field of botanical art continue to inspire and captivate art lovers and scientists alike. His artworks serve as a testament to his talent, passion, and dedication to the exploration and celebration of the natural world through the lens of art. Today, Volckamer's works can be found in prestigious art collections and museums, preserving his legacy as a masterful botanical artist.