.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
.jpg?w=1)
Details
MUNTING, Abraham (1626-1683). Phytographia curiosa, exhibens arborum, fruticum, herbarum, & florum icones. Amsterdam: Petrus de Coup, 1727.
The most innovative botanical book of its period—the first Latin edition, third issue. The Latin edition is an adaptation of a Dutch work by Abraham Munting, whose family founded the Hortus Haren in Groningen. “The illustrations are remarkable for their elegance and originality" (Oak Spring Flora 45), depicting gigantic plants floating surreally above idyllic landscapes. Munting’s book was clearly the inspiration for Johann Volckamer’s famous publication on citrus cultivation in Nuremberg, which features balloon-like fruits over German cityscapes. The engravings are unsigned except for a single plate by Joseph Mulder; the allegorical additional title and headpieces are by Jan Goeree. Hunt 404 (first issue; calls for title page to part 2 not present here); MA Horticultural Society p. 224 (this copy); Nissen BBI 1429; Oak Spring Flora 45.
Two parts in one, folio (392 x 254mm). Engraved additional title bound as frontispiece; title in red and black with engraved vignette; 2 engraved headpieces, one of which repeated; 245 engraved plates, 1-48 with early manuscript captions (without half-title and engraved dedication; pls. 25 and 26 supplied at an early date; inner margin repair to engraved title; dampstained; some light spotting, library stamps). 19th-century half calf over marbled boards (wear to corners and joints, starting). Provenance: The Burnham Antique Bookstore (9 May 1900; note on pastedown) – Massachusetts Horticultural Society (bookplate and stamps).
The most innovative botanical book of its period—the first Latin edition, third issue. The Latin edition is an adaptation of a Dutch work by Abraham Munting, whose family founded the Hortus Haren in Groningen. “The illustrations are remarkable for their elegance and originality" (Oak Spring Flora 45), depicting gigantic plants floating surreally above idyllic landscapes. Munting’s book was clearly the inspiration for Johann Volckamer’s famous publication on citrus cultivation in Nuremberg, which features balloon-like fruits over German cityscapes. The engravings are unsigned except for a single plate by Joseph Mulder; the allegorical additional title and headpieces are by Jan Goeree. Hunt 404 (first issue; calls for title page to part 2 not present here); MA Horticultural Society p. 224 (this copy); Nissen BBI 1429; Oak Spring Flora 45.
Two parts in one, folio (392 x 254mm). Engraved additional title bound as frontispiece; title in red and black with engraved vignette; 2 engraved headpieces, one of which repeated; 245 engraved plates, 1-48 with early manuscript captions (without half-title and engraved dedication; pls. 25 and 26 supplied at an early date; inner margin repair to engraved title; dampstained; some light spotting, library stamps). 19th-century half calf over marbled boards (wear to corners and joints, starting). Provenance: The Burnham Antique Bookstore (9 May 1900; note on pastedown) – Massachusetts Horticultural Society (bookplate and stamps).