**Originally Listed At $500**

Basilius Besler (German, 1561-1629). "Fraga fructu rubro, Fraga fructu magno, Fraga fructu albo" from "Hortus Eystettensis sive Diligens et Accurata Omnium Plantarum . . .", Eichstatt & Nuremberg, 1613 CE. A hand-colored engraving by European botanical master Basilius Besler that depicts three visually impressive and skillfully rendered strawberry plants. Besler had a gift for creating rhythmic compositions and presenting images that were not only informative - depicting the specimens from the roots and stems to the fruits, vegetables, and/or flowers - but also visually engaging. What's more, each engraving was embellished with calligraphic text identifying the specimens. A gorgeous botanical illustration, set in an attractive custom frame with a beautiful double mat. Size: 26" W x 30" H (66 cm x 76.2 cm) including mat and frame

Basilius Besler was a Nuremberg apothecary who was fortunate enough to have the Prince Bishop of Eicstatt (near Nuremberg) as a patron. Besler was in charge of the elite bishop's extensive gardens, and thanks to the financial support of his patron, he took on an ambitious botanical illustration project. Over a period of sixteen years, Besler created detailed drawings which, with the assistance of six skilled engravers, became two immense folio volumes - including 374 plates depicting more than one thousand flower specimens. Besler presented the plants as life size and arranged the prints according to the seasons. Besler's immense florilegium was by all accounts the largest and most comprehensive early work of this genre.

Provenance: private S.S. collection, Boulder, Colorado, USA

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#129017

Plate mark is visible. One can also see faint silhouettes of the text behind. Just a few tiny scuffs (nearly invisible) to the frame. Generally excellent with a beautiful custom frame.