Early 18th Century Johann Volckamer Hand Colored Botanical Engraving “Limon Zattelle”

Early 18th century hand colored botanical engraving with landscape elements, matted and framed under glass, by Johann Christoph Volckamer (German, 1644-1720).

During this time period it became fashionable for wealthy Europeans to grow and keep Mediterranean and tropical plants, such as citrus and palm trees, in large greenhouses and gardens. Johann Christoph Volckamer was a wealthy merchant and was one of the first to cultivate citrus fruits north of the Alps in his orangery. He engaged several artists and engravers to produce a two volume work featuring his collection, 1708–1714, titled “Nuremberg Hesperides, or thorough description of the noble Citron, Lemon, and Bitter Orange fruits, How to, in this and neighboring areas, correctly plant, tend, maintain and reproduce them…” The prints have a whimsical and distinctive format where the fruits are displayed in monumental scale hovering above views of gardens, palaces, or villages in a German (especially around Nuremberg), Austrian or Italian landscape. A floating ribbon wrapped around each specimen has its name. Volckamer’s Nuremberg Hesperides is regarded as one of the most beautiful works on botany from the baroque period.

Approximately 8 7/8″ W x 14″H, Framed size is 13 3/8 W x 17 7/8″H
Frame has some scuffs and engraving is in excellent antique condition.