The Story
An exquisite collection of 17thcentury watercolor paintings and engravings of rare flowers and plants, complemented by an anthology of writings from the age. In the mid17th century, the Count of Nassau set about the restoration of his castle at Idstein near Frankfurt, including the creation of a garden of rare plants and flowers. So pleased was he with his new garden that he commissioned Johann Walther, an artist famed for his skill as a miniaturist and painter of natural forms, to make a record of the garden and all its species. The result is a breathtaking collection of flowers of the periodlilies, roses, fritillaries, hollyhocks, aquilegias, and anemones among them. Accompanying the paintings are engravings from some of the great botanical artists, snippets from gardening calendars and handbooks, a selection of poems and quotations, as well as the history of each flower and the folklore surrounding it. A book that will not fail to charm garden enthusiasts and all who appreciate botanical art. 104 pp 8 x 9 44 color & 7 b/w illustrations
Description
An exquisite collection of 17thcentury watercolor paintings and engravings of rare flowers and plants, complemented by an anthology of writings from the age. In the mid17th century, the Count of Nassau set about the restoration of his castle at Idstein near Frankfurt, including the creation of a garden of rare plants and flowers. So pleased was he with his new garden that he commissioned Johann Walther, an artist famed for his skill as a miniaturist and painter of natural forms, to make a record of the garden and all its species. The result is a breathtaking collection of flowers of the periodlilies, roses, fritillaries, hollyhocks, aquilegias, and anemones among them. Accompanying the paintings are engravings from some of the great botanical artists, snippets from gardening calendars and handbooks, a selection of poems and quotations, as well as the history of each flower and the folklore surrounding it. A book that will not fail to charm garden enthusiasts and all who appreciate botanical art. 104 pp 8 x 9 44 color & 7 b/w illustrations
