Original copper engraving published in the famous large flower book "Hortus Eystettensis" (Garden at Eichstätt) by Basilius Besler. Depicts three types of Carnations: Caryophyllus simplex borten sisversicolor, Caryophyllus plenus miniato colore, and Caryophyllus purpureus flore multiplici laciniato.Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was a Nuremberg apothecary and botanist, he was curator of the garden of Johann Konrad von Gemmingen, prince bishop of Eichstätt in Bavaria, an enthusiastic botanist. The bishop commissioned Besler to compile a codex of the plants growing in his garden, a task which Besler took sixteen years to complete, the result being his best work, "Hortus Eystettensis". The bishop died shortly before the work was published.Matted in a 4-ply ivory conservation mat. Provenance: Phyllis Lucas Gallery, NYC. [Image size: Height: 19 in; Width: 15.5 in. Overall size with mat: Height: 25.5 in (64.77 cm); Width: 22 in (55.88 cm)]. Faint stain in upper right corner; barely visible crease in the lower right corner.

Faint stain in upper right corner; barely visible crease in the lower right corner.