Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede tot Drakenstein

Vine Spinach "Basella": A 17th Century Botanical Engraving by Hendrik van Rheede

1686

This is a 17th century engraving of a fever or bonduc nut plant entitled "Ban Caretti" by Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein, plate 20 from his 'Hortus Indi...

This is a rare 17th century engraving of a plant entitled "Citamerdu" by the Dutch botanist Hendrik van Rheede tot Drakenstein, plate 21 from his 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' (Garden of Malabar), published in Amsterdam in 1686 by Johann van Someren. The engraving depicts the Citamerdu plant, also known as Tinospora cordifolia plant or Amrita and Guduchi. It is a deciduous plant with heart-shaped leaves, greenish flowers, and pea-shaped fruits. Rheede's 19th century publication featured illustrations of exotic plants and fruits labelled with script in the upper right corner in Latin, Malay, Arabic, and Sanskrit. Hortus Indicus Malabaricus is believed to be the earliest comprehensive published work on the flora of Asia and the tropics. The 17th century treatise featured important illustrations of 740 plants of the region, including Indian medicinal plants. The engraving is printed on 17th century laid, chain-linked paper, watermarked with an elaborate crown design. The sheet measures 15.75" high by 18.75" wide. There is a central fold, as issued. There are a few small spots, but the print is otherwise in excellent condition. There are additional Rheede botanical engravings from his 'Hortus Indicus Malabaricus' publication that are listed on my 1stdibs storefront and online website. These would make for an impressive display grouping. A discount is available for purchase of two or more of the prints. Hendrik Adriaan van...