Verdant Wonders: Exotic Trees and Spices of India in De Bry's 1601 Illustration

"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...

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...

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...

From my own collection I offer this impressive Antique print of the city of Malakka A very interesting piece for collectors . It is an museum piece from the Dutch Institute of Orien...