A Pair of 17th Century German Botanical Prints

Framed Pair of 17th Century Botanical Prints.

DESCRIPTION: These copper engraving are hand colored by Emanuel Sweert, who was the prefect of the gardens of the Emperor Rudolf II in Prague. His Florilegium was first printed in Frankfurt by Kempner in 1612 -16. The Latin title of the book is “Florilegium, tractans de variis floribus, et aliis indices plantis, ad vivum delineatum in duabus partibus et quatuor linguis concinnatum” Translation: Book of flowers, concerning various flowers and other plants, drawn after nature, in two parts and described in four languages .The book had 110 copper etchings. It was published in Frankfurt on the Main 1612-1614.One of the prints bears the seal of Casa de Cadaval is that of a former owner of the prints. Casa de Cadaval is a winery in Muge in the center of Portugal. They had probably a library in former times with the book from which are the pages. The winery is nowadays owned by a German noble family. Their name is “von Schoenborn-Wiesentheid”. They are counts.

Dimensions:
Size: plate: 20.5 x 34 cm. (8 x 13½ inches)
Frame: 18.75ʺW × 1ʺD × 23.75ʺH

Period: mid 17th century dated between 1612- 1647

Provenance: Buckhead ( Atlanta) Georgia Estate.

Materials: Printmaking Materials, namely copper engraving.

Condition: The engraving good condition as shown in the photographs some tape reside from the prior mount (not visible). One print has a darkened background and the second has a smudge in the background. The flowers are wonderfully vibrant. The original gold amber vintage frame has been reused. The old glass has been replaced with a UV resistant glaze to protect the engravings.

Art Subject: nature, botanical

Reference no: PB103
https://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/sweert-emanuel-1552-1612-florilegium-tractans-5370992-details.aspx ^[1]

Germany 17th c.H: 23.75"W: 18.75"D: 1"Reference number: PB103