Description
Description of Leonhart Fuchs' De Historia Stirpum Commentarii Insignes
These wonderful engravings are from Leonhart Fuchs' work entitled De Historia Stirpum Commentarii Insignes, Maximix Impensis et Vigiliis Elaborati, Adiectis Vivis Plusquam Quingentis Imaginibus, Nunquam Antea ad Naturae Imitationem Artifiosiuys Effectis & Expressis. This work is regularly cited as one of the most beautiful sets of herbal illustrations ever printed, setting a new standard for botanical illustrations for centuries to come, being copied well into the 18th century. Fuchs (1501-1567) was considered one of the German founders of the science of botany. But first, he managed to attain his Masters of Arts and Doctor of Medicine titles by the age of 23. As a doctor in this early age, he greatly appreciated the medicinal virtues of the various herbs documented in this esteemed work. Fuchs was very particular about how the plants should be depicted and he held a tight reign over the artists. He preferred an exact portrayal of the perfect specimen over an artistically pleasing interpretation. No shading or unnecessary embellishment was allowed. Each plant is simultaneously shown in all stages of its life cycle including roots, stalks, leaves, flowers, seeds, and fruits. The plants are presented in an idealized state – no wilted leaves or faded blooms. This was a departure from the common practice of the time and set the standard for botanical illustration for centuries to come. Included in this work are 40 new species which had never before been illustrated. One such illustration is of the American plant, maize (corn). Curiously, Fuchs mistook the origin of the plant and labeled it Turkish corn. The woodcuts provide both the Latin and German names of each plant. Fuchs employed three respected artists of his day to produce the woodcuts, and he honored them with the uncommon practice of naming and portraying them in the back of the work. Albrecht Meyer drew the plants, Heinrich Fullmaurer transferred Meyer’s drawings to wood blocks, and Veit Rudolf Speckle cut the blocks. Fuchs, himself, is pictured at the beginning of the work in his doctor’s robes. They are on chainlinked, water marked paper that measures ~ 14 7/8" by 9 5/8" and feature recently applied hand-coloring.