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Basil Besler Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1561 - d. 1629

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  • BASIL BESLER, (NARCISSUS),
    May. 01, 2025

    BASIL BESLER, (NARCISSUS),

    Est: $600 - $800

    BASIL BESLER, (NARCISSUS), HAND COLOURED COPPER ENGRAVING, UNSIGNED, 50 X 40CM, FRAME SIZE: 88 X 76CM

    Leonard Joel
  • Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Iris, crocus and lily", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Iris, crocus and lily", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Iris, crocus and lily", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty Besler, Basilius (1561-1629) "Iris, Krokus und Lilie", colorierter Kupferstich, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (m.R. 71,5x59,5cm), leicht knickspurig und min. fleckig

    Kendzia
  • Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Easter Glory and Tellweed", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Easter Glory and Tellweed", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Easter Glory and Tellweed", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty Besler, Basilius (1561-1629) "Osterluzei und Tellerkraut", colorierter Kupferstich, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (m.R. 71,5x59,5cm), leicht knickspurig und fleckig

    Kendzia
  • Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus and chess flower", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus and chess flower", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus and chess flower", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and min. spotty Besler, Basilius (1561-1629) "Narzissen und Schachblume", colorierter Kupferstich, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (m.R. 71,5x59,5cm), leicht knickspurig und min. fleckig

    Kendzia
  • Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Narcissus", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), slightly creased and spotty Besler, Basilius (1561-1629) "Narzissen", colorierter Kupferstich, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", 50x40,5cm (m.R. 71,5x59,5cm), leicht knickspurig und fleckig

    Kendzia
  • Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Hyacinths and Tulips", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", PM 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), centrefold, slightly spotted
    Nov. 25, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Hyacinths and Tulips", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", PM 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), centrefold, slightly spotted

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Hyacinths and Tulips", coloured copper engraving, from "Hortus Eystettensis", PM 50x40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), centrefold, slightly spotted Besler, Basilius (1561-1629) "Hyazinthen und Tulpen", colorierter Kupferstich, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", PM 50x40,5cm (m.R. 71,5x59,5cm), Mittelfalz, leicht fleckig

    Kendzia
  • Besler, Basil (1561 Nuremberg - 1629 Nuremberg) "Melanzana fructu pallido",
    Oct. 07, 2023

    Besler, Basil (1561 Nuremberg - 1629 Nuremberg) "Melanzana fructu pallido",

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil (1561 Nuremberg - 1629 Nuremberg) "Melanzana fructu pallido", coloured copper engraving, botanical depiction of an aubergine plant, from "Hortus Eystettensis", framed behind passepartout and glass, visible plate size 48.4x39.1cm, 74x64cm with frame, traces of creasing, small damage to paper Besler, Basilius (1561 Nürnberg - 1629 Nürnberg) "Melanzana fructu pallido", kolorierter Kupferstich, botanische Darstellung einer Auberginenpflanze, aus "Hortus Eystettensis", hinter Passepartout und Glas gerahmt, sichtbares Plattenmaß 48,4x39,1cm, 74x64cm mit Rahmen, Knickspuren, kleine Beschädigung im Papier

    Auktionshaus am See
  • Besler, Basil
    Mar. 11, 2023

    Besler, Basil

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil 1561 Nürnberg - 1629 ebd. Ein Blatt aus dem Hortus Eystettensis mit vier verschiedenen Rosensorten Rosa provincialis etc. Kolorierter Kupferstich auf Bütten. Verso bezeichnet mit Garantie. Das Hortus Eystettensis erschien erstmals 1613. Größe des Drucks ca. 47 x 40 cm, hinter Glas in Blattgold belegtem Rahmen ca. 63 x 51 cm. Zustand wie abgebildet. Besler, Basil 1561 Nuremberg - 1629 ibid. A sheet from the Hortus Eystettensis with four different kinds of roses Rosa provincialis etc.. Coloured copper engraving on handmade paper. Inscribed with guarantee on verso. The Hortus Eystettensis was first published in 1613. Size of the print ca. 47 x 40 cm, behind glass in a frame covered with gold leaf ca. 63 x 51 cm. Condition as shown.

    Auktionshaus Sieglin GmbH
  • Besler, Basil
    Dec. 03, 2022

    Besler, Basil

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil 1561 Nürnberg - 1629 ebd. Ein Blatt aus dem Hortus Eystettensis mit vier verschiedenen Rosensorten Rosa provincialis etc. Kolorierter Kupferstich auf Bütten. Verso bezeichnet mit Garantie. Das Hortus Eystettensis erschien erstmals 1613. Größe des Drucks ca. 47 x 40 cm, hinter Glas in Blattgold belegtem Rahmen ca. 63 x 51 cm. Zustand wie abgebildet. Besler, Basil 1561 Nuremberg - 1629 ibid. A sheet from the Hortus Eystettensis with four different kinds of roses Rosa provincialis etc.. Coloured copper engraving on handmade paper. Inscribed with guarantee on verso. The Hortus Eystettensis was first published in 1613. Size of the print ca. 47 x 40 cm, behind glass in a frame covered with gold leaf ca. 63 x 51 cm. Condition as shown.

    Auktionshaus Sieglin GmbH
  • Basilius Besler, Kräuterblatt
    Nov. 26, 2022

    Basilius Besler, Kräuterblatt

    Est: -

    Basilius Besler, Kräuterblatt prachtvolle Darstellung verschiedener Heilpflanzen, aus Hortus Eystettensis, rückseitig typographischer Text, kolorierter Kupferstich, erstmals erschienen 1613, durch Druck leichte Quetschfalte, etwas gegilbt, unter Passepartout und hinter Glas gerahmt, Plattenmaße ca. 48 x 39,5 cm. Info: auch Basil Besler, deutscher Apotheker, Botaniker und Verleger (1561 Nürnberg bis 1629 ebenda), Betreiber der Nürnberger Apotheke „Zum Marienbild“ mit Naturalienkabinett und Botanischem Garten, 1597 erhielt er von Johann Konrad von Gemmingen Bischof von Eichstätt den Auftrag zur Anlage eines Botanischen Gartens auf der Willibaldsburg unter Mitwirkung von Carolus Clusius, Jochim Camerarius und Ludwig Jungermann, 1613 erschien sein botanischer Prachtband „Hortus Eystettensis“, Quelle: Wikipedia.

    Auktionshaus Mehlis GmbH
  • Besler, Basilius — Jasmin aus dem Garten von Eichstätt
    Jul. 29, 2022

    Besler, Basilius — Jasmin aus dem Garten von Eichstätt

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil —Jasmine from the garden of Eichstätt (Nuremberg 1561-1629 ibid.) ''Iasminum Indicum, feu flos mirabilis peruanus''. Coloured copper engraving from the Hortus Eystettensis Eichstätt and Nuremberg, after 1613, with text on spine. Viewing size 49 x 41 cm; in passepartout and framed under glass. - Paper somewhat browned, spotted. // Besler, Basilius Jasmin aus dem Garten von Eichstätt (Nürnberg 1561-1629 ebd.) ''Iasminum Indicum, feu flos mirabilis peruanus''. Kupferstich, koloriert, aus dem Hortus Eystettensis Eichstätt und Nürnberg, nach 1613, mit Rückentext. Sichtmaß 49 x 41 cm; in Passepartout und unter Glas ger. - Papier etwas gebräunt, fleckig.

    Kunstauktionshaus Schlosser
  • Besler, Basilius — Fünf Pflanzenstiche aus dem Garten von Eichstätt
    Jul. 29, 2022

    Besler, Basilius — Fünf Pflanzenstiche aus dem Garten von Eichstätt

    Est: -

    Besler, Basil —Five plant engravings from the garden of Eichstätt (Nuremberg 1561-1629 ibid.) ''Testiculus Vulpinus'', ''Borrago Minima'', ''Arum'', ''Hyacinthus Orientalis'', ''Stramonia''. Coloured copper engravings from the Hortus Eystettensis Eichstätt and Nuremberg, after 1613. 46 x 38 cm and 48 x 39 cm (4x); framed in passepartout and under glass. - Cf. W. Dressendörfer, K.W. Littger: Der Garten von Eichstätt. // Besler, Basilius Fünf Pflanzenstiche aus dem Garten von Eichstätt (Nürnberg 1561-1629 ebd.) ''Testiculus Vulpinus'', ''Borrago Minima'', ''Arum'', ''Hyacinthus Orientalis'', ''Stramonia''. Kupferstiche, koloriert, aus dem Hortus Eystettensis Eichstätt und Nürnberg, nach 1613. Sichtmaß 46 x 38 cm und 48 x 39 cm (4x); in Passepartout und unter Glas ger. - Papier etwas gebräunt, fleckig. - Vgl. W. Dressendörfer, K.W. Littger: Der Garten von Eichstätt.

    Kunstauktionshaus Schlosser
  • 5 Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Herbs and Flowers", colored copperplate engravings, printed on both sides, from "Hortus Eystettensis" 1613, PM 47,5-48x39,5-40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), partly browned, stained, crease marks
    Feb. 20, 2021

    5 Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Herbs and Flowers", colored copperplate engravings, printed on both sides, from "Hortus Eystettensis" 1613, PM 47,5-48x39,5-40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), partly browned, stained, crease marks

    Est: -

    5 Besler, Basil (1561-1629) "Herbs and Flowers", colored copperplate engravings, printed on both sides, from "Hortus Eystettensis" 1613, PM 47,5-48x39,5-40,5cm (w.f. 71,5x59,5cm), partly browned, stained, crease marks

    Kendzia
  • Basil Besler Sparganium Orobanche Cicuta Maxima
    Jun. 27, 2020

    Basil Besler Sparganium Orobanche Cicuta Maxima

    Est: $300 - $500

    Besler, Basil, Sparganium Orobanche Cicuta Maxima, c.1640, copper engraving with later hand-coloring, manuscript additions at top and bottom, plate size 18.75 x 15.5 inches, in a painted wood frame 28.5 x 23 inches. The modern names for these 3 botanicals are Branched bur reed, Broomrape and Water hemlock.

    Concept Art Gallery
  • BASIL BESLER. A PAIR OF HAND-COLORED ENGRAVINGS
    Jan. 26, 2020

    BASIL BESLER. A PAIR OF HAND-COLORED ENGRAVINGS

    Est: $2,500 - $3,500

    Two hand-colored engravings, Eichstatt: 1713, 3rd edition, each framed  each sheet approx.: 521 by 403 mm  20 1/2 by 15 7/8 in

    Sotheby's
  • BESLER 'HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS' BOTANICAL ENGRAVING
    Mar. 17, 2019

    BESLER 'HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS' BOTANICAL ENGRAVING

    Est: $300 - $500

    Framed hand-colored copperplate engraving, botanical illustration from “Hortus Eystettensis” (The Garden at Eichstatt) by Basilius (Basil) Besler (Germany, 1561-1629), Amarantus Cristatus, Amarantus Spicatus, sight: approx 18.5"h, 15.25"w, overall: approx 21.75"h, 18.5"w, 3.5lbs Start Price: $200.00

    Austin Auction Gallery
  • BESLER 'HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS' BOTANICAL ENGRAVING
    Mar. 17, 2019

    BESLER 'HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS' BOTANICAL ENGRAVING

    Est: $300 - $500

    Framed hand-colored copperplate engraving, botanical illustration from “Hortus Eystettensis” (The Garden at Eichstatt) by Basilius (Basil) Besler (Germany, 1561-1629), Pulegium aquaticum spicatum (Horsemint), Mentha Crispa (Spearmint), Vritica Romana (Roman Nettle), sight: approx 18.5"h, 15.25"w, overall: approx 21.75"h, 18.5"w, 3.5lbs Start Price: $200.00

    Austin Auction Gallery
  • Basil Besler (German, 1561-1629)
    Dec. 05, 2018

    Basil Besler (German, 1561-1629)

    Est: $500 - $700

    Mandragora Foemina, Chelidonium minus handcoloured engraving on paper, titled in plate below image 'i. Mandragora Foemina, ii. Chelidonium minus'

    Shapiro Auctioneers
  • Besler Botanical Engraving
    Mar. 25, 2017

    Besler Botanical Engraving

    Est: $800 - $1,400

    Spatula Foctita... Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Nuremburg: Eichstatt, 1613, 1640, 1713.. 19 1/2 x 16 inches visible, 31 1/2 x 27 inches framed

    Arader Galleries
  • Besler Botanical Engraving
    Mar. 25, 2017

    Besler Botanical Engraving

    Est: $1,500 - $3,000

    Onobrychis Belgarum... Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Nuremburg: Eichstatt, 1613, 1640, 1713.. 19 x 16 inches visible, 31 x 27 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Besler Botanical Engraving
    Mar. 25, 2017

    Besler Botanical Engraving

    Est: $1,500 - $3,000

    Matricaria flore simplici... Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Nuremburg: Eichstatt, 1613, 1640, 1713.. 19 x 16 inches visible, 31 x 27 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Besler Botanical Engraving
    Mar. 25, 2017

    Besler Botanical Engraving

    Est: $1,500 - $3,000

    Caryophyllus Maior Sylve Strisvarie Gatus...Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Nuremburg: Eichstatt, 1613, 1640, 1713. 19 x 16 inches visible, 31 x 27 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Besler Botanical Engraving
    Mar. 25, 2017

    Besler Botanical Engraving

    Est: $1,500 - $3,000

    Acorus cum suo iulo... Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. Nuremburg: Eichstatt, 1613, 1640, 1713. 19 x 16 inches visible, 31 x 27 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler
    Jan. 28, 2017

    Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler

    Est: $2,000 - $4,000

    Melanzana Fructu Pallido. Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. 19 1/2 x 16 inches visible, 32 x 28 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler
    Jan. 28, 2017

    Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler

    Est: $2,000 - $4,000

    Solanum Pomiferum. Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. 19 1/2 x 16 inches visible, 32 x 28 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler
    Jan. 28, 2017

    Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler

    Est: $2,000 - $4,000

    Poma Amoris Fructu Luteo. Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. 19 1/2 x 16 inches visible, 32 x 28 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler
    Jan. 28, 2017

    Hand-colored copperplate engraving by Basil Besler

    Est: $2,000 - $4,000

    Piper Indicum Filiquisflavis. Basil Besler (1561-1629). from Hortus Eystettensis. Hand-colored copperplate engraving. 19 1/2 x 16 inches visible, 32 x 28 inches framed.

    Arader Galleries
  • HAND-COLORED COPPER PLATE ENGRAVING FROM "HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS" BY BASIL BESLER (1561-1629) Depicting three tulips, two of which have...
    Jun. 23, 2016

    HAND-COLORED COPPER PLATE ENGRAVING FROM "HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS" BY BASIL BESLER (1561-1629) Depicting three tulips, two of which have...

    Est: $400 - $600

    HAND-COLORED COPPER PLATE ENGRAVING FROM "HORTUS EYSTETTENSIS" BY BASIL BESLER (1561-1629) Depicting three tulips, two of which have checkerboard design on petals. Plate 18.5" x 15.5". Framed 30.5" x 27.5".

    Eldred's
  • Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving
    Jun. 11, 2016

    Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving

    Est: $5,000 - $8,000

    Solanum Pomiferum. Basil Besler (1561-1629). Hand-colored copperplate engraving from the Hortus Eystettensis. 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each. Basil Besler’s great botanical work, the Hortus Eystettensis, is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works ever produced. Besler used the garden of Johann Conrad von Gemmingen, Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany as an encyclopedic resource and the basis for the Hortus Eystettensis, in which he studied and depicted over a thousand flowers, representing 667 species in all. Published one hundred and fifty years before Linnaeus created his thorough system of classification, Besler’s great florilegium represents an impressive early attempt to classify plants for the benefit of botanists, doctors and apothecaries. Besler printed two different editions of the book, a common one, which ran some 300 copies, and a special edition, of which between only 20 and 30 copies were made and it is from one such book that these beautiful engravings are derived. These special editions were intended to be given as gifts by the Bishop to other heads of state, and due to the hand-coloring, cost up to 500 florins, as opposed to the 35 florins for the common edition. The book from which these plates are derived was a completely unique copy, originally the property of a French owner and perhaps purchased during the second half of the seventeenth century. Notes contained in this edition of the work suggest that it recorded the flowering of some of the plants in a real garden in France explaining the unique arrangement of the copy. This Hortus did not appear in its usual assembly, according to the four seasons, but instead was organized month by month. Thus, these engravings represent an opportunity to acquire exceptionally rare plates from a unique copy of Basil Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis. Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C.; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III

    Arader Galleries
  • Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving
    Jun. 11, 2016

    Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving

    Est: $5,000 - $8,000

    Poma amoris Fructu Luteo. Basil Besler (1561-1629). Hand-colored copperplate engraving from the Hortus Eystettensis. 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each. Basil Besler’s great botanical work, the Hortus Eystettensis, is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works ever produced. Besler used the garden of Johann Conrad von Gemmingen, Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany as an encyclopedic resource and the basis for the Hortus Eystettensis, in which he studied and depicted over a thousand flowers, representing 667 species in all. Published one hundred and fifty years before Linnaeus created his thorough system of classification, Besler’s great florilegium represents an impressive early attempt to classify plants for the benefit of botanists, doctors and apothecaries. Besler printed two different editions of the book, a common one, which ran some 300 copies, and a special edition, of which between only 20 and 30 copies were made and it is from one such book that these beautiful engravings are derived. These special editions were intended to be given as gifts by the Bishop to other heads of state, and due to the hand-coloring, cost up to 500 florins, as opposed to the 35 florins for the common edition. The book from which these plates are derived was a completely unique copy, originally the property of a French owner and perhaps purchased during the second half of the seventeenth century. Notes contained in this edition of the work suggest that it recorded the flowering of some of the plants in a real garden in France explaining the unique arrangement of the copy. This Hortus did not appear in its usual assembly, according to the four seasons, but instead was organized month by month. Thus, these engravings represent an opportunity to acquire exceptionally rare plates from a unique copy of Basil Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis. Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C.; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III

    Arader Galleries
  • Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving
    Jun. 11, 2016

    Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving

    Est: $5,000 - $8,000

    Piper Indicum Filiquisflavis. Basil Besler (1561-1629). Hand-colored copperplate engraving from the Hortus Eystettensis. 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each. Basil Besler’s great botanical work, the Hortus Eystettensis, is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works ever produced. Besler used the garden of Johann Conrad von Gemmingen, Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany as an encyclopedic resource and the basis for the Hortus Eystettensis, in which he studied and depicted over a thousand flowers, representing 667 species in all. Published one hundred and fifty years before Linnaeus created his thorough system of classification, Besler’s great florilegium represents an impressive early attempt to classify plants for the benefit of botanists, doctors and apothecaries. Besler printed two different editions of the book, a common one, which ran some 300 copies, and a special edition, of which between only 20 and 30 copies were made and it is from one such book that these beautiful engravings are derived. These special editions were intended to be given as gifts by the Bishop to other heads of state, and due to the hand-coloring, cost up to 500 florins, as opposed to the 35 florins for the common edition. The book from which these plates are derived was a completely unique copy, originally the property of a French owner and perhaps purchased during the second half of the seventeenth century. Notes contained in this edition of the work suggest that it recorded the flowering of some of the plants in a real garden in France explaining the unique arrangement of the copy. This Hortus did not appear in its usual assembly, according to the four seasons, but instead was organized month by month. Thus, these engravings represent an opportunity to acquire exceptionally rare plates from a unique copy of Basil Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis. Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C.; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III

    Arader Galleries
  • Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving
    Jun. 11, 2016

    Spectacularly Rare Copper Engraving

    Est: $5,000 - $8,000

    Melanzana Fructu Pallido. Basil Besler (1561-1629). Hand-colored copperplate engraving from the Hortus Eystettensis. 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each. Basil Besler’s great botanical work, the Hortus Eystettensis, is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of the most splendidly stylized and aesthetically powerful botanical works ever produced. Besler used the garden of Johann Conrad von Gemmingen, Bishop of Eichstätt, Germany as an encyclopedic resource and the basis for the Hortus Eystettensis, in which he studied and depicted over a thousand flowers, representing 667 species in all. Published one hundred and fifty years before Linnaeus created his thorough system of classification, Besler’s great florilegium represents an impressive early attempt to classify plants for the benefit of botanists, doctors and apothecaries. Besler printed two different editions of the book, a common one, which ran some 300 copies, and a special edition, of which between only 20 and 30 copies were made and it is from one such book that these beautiful engravings are derived. These special editions were intended to be given as gifts by the Bishop to other heads of state, and due to the hand-coloring, cost up to 500 florins, as opposed to the 35 florins for the common edition. The book from which these plates are derived was a completely unique copy, originally the property of a French owner and perhaps purchased during the second half of the seventeenth century. Notes contained in this edition of the work suggest that it recorded the flowering of some of the plants in a real garden in France explaining the unique arrangement of the copy. This Hortus did not appear in its usual assembly, according to the four seasons, but instead was organized month by month. Thus, these engravings represent an opportunity to acquire exceptionally rare plates from a unique copy of Basil Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis. Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C.; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III 19 1/2 x 16 inches sheet, 32 x 28 inches framed each Provenance: Probably the Besler family; Anon. French owner, perhaps purchased in the second half of the 17th C; Sotheby’s Monaco S. A. at Monte Carlo, October 20, 1986; Burgess-Browning Ltd; W. Graham Arader III

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