Cornucopia of India: Pineapples, Betel, Date Palms, Soursop, and Mangoes, 1601

Title: "Verdant Wonders: Exotic Trees and Spices of India in De Bry's 1601 Illustration" Description: This striking 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, titled "IDEA LANTOR, ASSA, PIM...

This 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, a master engraver and publisher of the late Renaissance period, depicts the flora of India with a remarkable degree of detail and artistry. The print is titled "DE ALGA SEV ARVNDINE INDICA, BAMBVS DICTA, ITEM DE arbore radicosa: & tandem de arbore Duryeons," which translates to "About the Seaweed or Reed of India, called Bamboo, also about the root tree: and finally about the Duryeons tree." In the illustration, we see a lush depiction of a bamboo grove, with its characteristic tall and slender form, showcasing the plant's extensive root system and dense foliage. To the left, there is a tree bearing large, round fruits, likely the durian, labeled here as "Duryeons." The durian is known for its distinctive size, unique aroma, and spiky husk. The image captures both the exotic appeal and the utilitarian value of these plants, which were of great interest to European audiences unfamiliar with such tropical vegetation. The visual composition conveys the tropical abundance and biodiversity of the Indian subcontinent. De Bry's engravings like this were highly sought after in Europe for their exotic subject matter and served to educate and fascinate the European public about the natural wonders of the world beyond their borders. As a historical document, this engraving provides insight into the botanical knowledge and the artistic conventions of the period, making it a valuable piece for both its historical significance and its aesthetic beauty. De Bry's work is renowned for its attention to detail, and this print is a testament to his ability to capture the essence of exotic lands and their natural abundance. His engravings were among the first visual records to reach Europe from the New World and the East, fueling curiosity and fascination with distant lands. This particular piece is not only a work of art but also a historical document, offering insight into the botanical wealth of India as seen through the eyes of early modern Europeans...

Title: "Exotic Flora of the Indies: The Cajus and Jambos Trees in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: This detailed engraving by Theodore de Bry, dating back to 1601, beautifully illustrates two tropical trees, the Cajus and the Jambos, both renowned for their delectable fruits in the regions of India. The Cajus tree, likely referring to what is known today as the cashew, is depicted with its distinctive fruit that dangles below the swollen pedicel, commonly called the cashew apple. The Jambos tree, with its lush, dense foliage and abundant fruiting, could be related to the rose apple, known for its fragrant, rose-scented fruit. Included in the scene is a depiction of the Indian Crocus, adding a touch of the diverse understory vegetation of the tropical climate. The image conveys a peaceful coexistence with nature, as indicated by a modest dwelling in the background, suggesting the integration of these trees into the daily lives of the local inhabitants for both nourishment and commerce. The text is in Latin, and here is the English translation: "In this picture, two trees are shown, each of which bears the most excellent and noble fruit. The best of these is called the Jambos, native to the region, which the inhabitants call Cayos. On this tree, nothing of note is bestowed. Moreover, this also represents a marvelous spectacle, in which the slow-growing cane bamboo surrounds itself. Finally, the Indian Crocus has been added, which blooms with its native flower; which is widespread throughout all of India." De Bry's engravings were pivotal in bringing the natural wealth of the New World and the East Indies to the European imagination. His work not only served as an artistic endeavor but also as an educational tool that fed the European appetite for knowledge about the vast diversity of the world's flora and fauna. This engraving, with its precision and attention to botanical detail, remains a significant historical record of the natural world as seen through the lens of the early modern European...

"Botanical Illustration of Saint Lawrence's Seeds and Plants by De Bry, 1601" Description: This engraving from Theodore de Bry's collection, produced in 1601, features a botanical study of various seeds and plants native to the island of Saint Lawrence, also known as Madagascar. Each plant is meticulously rendered with Latin letters corresponding to a legend that identifies them. This careful study was part of De Bry’s extensive work to document and illustrate the flora and fauna encountered by European explorers during their voyages to exotic lands. The illustration captures the diverse plant life from the island, from the bulbous shapes of the roots in the foreground to the towering forms of the trees in the background. The detail in the image reflects the European fascination with new and foreign natural history, a subject that was growing in popularity and significance during the Age of Exploration. De Bry's works served not only as scientific records but also as means to captivate and educate his contemporaries about the wonders of the natural world. Translation of the Latin text: "There is a certain tree, its summit dividing into the smallest of branches. From this, the Chaonas nuts are collected. B. The House of...

Set of eight 18th Century tropical palm tree and plant prints. From a selection of Georg Dionysius Ehret hand-coloured engravings depicting local flora of Barbados. Each is dedicat...

Artist unknown for this pair of pineapple paintings from 17th century. Beautifully gilt-framed and matted.

This is an original antique colored botanical mezzotint and line engraving of banana plants, which is finished with hand-coloring. It is entitled "Banana 2. Mauze, Baradis-feigen", p...

[MERIAN, Maria Sibyl]. Pineapple with foliage. The Hague, Gosse, 1719. Engraving of a Pineapple with foliage by J. Mulder, P. Sluyter and D. Stoopendaal after Merian, with later hand-colour, from Dissertatio de Generatione et Metamorphasibus Insectorum Surinamensium. Framed and glazed, overall dimensions: 40cm by 53.2cm by 4.5cm. Superb engravings which depict the metamorphoses of South American insects and the exotic plants on which they feed. Maria Sybilla, daughter of the German engraver and publisher Matthias Merian, devoted herself to the study of European insects and their metamorphoses. As a result of the wealth of tropical varieties being brought back by the Dutch West Indies Company...