Spices of the Tropics: Cinnamon and Cassia in De Bry's 1601 Illustration

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...

"Tropical Abundance: The Jackfruit and Palm Trees in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: This remarkable 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry illustrates the lush vegetation of India...

"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...

Title: "Treasures of the Tropics: Lac, Lancas, and Fagaras in De Bry's 1601 Engraving" Description: In this detailed 1601 engraving by Theodore de Bry, a variety of tropical produce...

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.

""Horti Medici Amstelodamensis Rariorum"" (Rarities of the Amsterdam Physic Garden), 1st edition, 1697 - 1701. ( Ref: Dunthorne: 81) Jan Commelin (1629-1692) was Director of the Am...

Wonderful copper-plate engraving after Jan Luyken Published by Marten Schagen, Amsterdam. 1724 Text on verso The measurement given is the paper size.