Hortus Sanitatis Collection

Mermaid and Merman from Jacob Meydenbachs Hortus Sanitatis, 1491 (woodcut)
1147334 Mermaid and Merman from Jacob Meydenbachs Hortus Sanitatis, 1491 (woodcut) by German School, (15th century); Private Collection; Peter Newark Historical Pictures; German, out of copyright

Apothecaries and potions, with two boys fighting in the foreground
986284 Apothecaries and potions, with two boys fighting in the foreground, 1491 (hand-coloured woodcut) by German School, (15th century); 29.5x20.2 cm; Private Collection; (add.info)

Crushing Herbs in a Mortar, 1947. Originally from Hortus Sanitatis, 1491. Reproduced in British Herbs and Vegetables, by George M. Taylor [Collins, London, 1947]

BOTANY: MARJORAM, 1485. Majorana hortensis. Woodcut from Peter Schoffers Hortus Sanitatis

BOTANY: THYME, 1485. Thymus serpyllum. Woodcut from Peter Schoffers Hotus Sanitatis

BOTANY: FEMALE MANDRAKE. Woodcut from Johannes de Cubas Hortus Sanitatis, Paris, France, 1498

BOTANY: BASIL, 1485. Ocimum basilicum, a member of the mint family, native to tropical Asia, Africa and the Pacific Islands. Woodcut from Peter Schoffers Hortus Sanitatis, 1485

BOTANY: ROSEMARY, 1485. Rosmarinus officinalis. Woodcut from Peter Schoffers Hortus Sanitatis

COCK STONE, 1491. Extracting an alectorian, or cock stone (believed to quench thirst and bring luck in gambling and love. Woodcut from Peter Schoffers Hortus Sanitatis, Mainz, Germany, 1491

Represented in the male and female forms. Woodcut from Peter Sch├Âffers Hortus Sanitatis
BOTANY: MANDRAKE, 1476. Represented in the male and female forms. Woodcut from Peter Sch├Âffers Hortus Sanitatis

Extracting a bezoar (toadstone) to be used as an antidote against, and as a warning of, the presence of poison
TOADSTONE, 1491. Extracting a bezoar (toadstone) to be used as an antidote against, and as a warning of, the presence of poison. Woodcut from Peter Sch├Âffers Hortus Sanitatis, Mainz, Germany, 1491

Application of a bezoar stone to a victim of poisoning. Woodcut from Hortus Sanitatis, Mainz, Germany, 1491
BEZOAR STONE, 1491. Application of a bezoar stone to a victim of poisoning. Woodcut from Hortus Sanitatis, Mainz, Germany, 1491

Hortus Sanitatis, Jacob Meidenbach, 1497 edition
Hortus Sanitatis title page

15th Century German woodcut print. Historical print of mythical sea creatures - from top: a bull, a dog, and a horse - from Hortus sanitatis (the origin of health), Johann von Cube (1491)

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Step into the enchanting world of "Hortus Sanitatis, " a captivating collection of woodcut illustrations that transport you to a realm where mermaids and mermen frolic in mystical waters. Jacob Meydenbach's 1491 masterpiece showcases these ethereal beings, their tails glimmering under the moonlight. But this is not just a tale of mythical creatures; it delves into the fascinating world of apothecaries and potions. In one image, two boys engage in an animated fight while surrounded by shelves filled with jars containing mysterious concoctions. The scene captures both the chaos and allure of ancient remedies. The artistry extends beyond human interactions, as we witness herbs being crushed meticulously in a mortar, releasing their fragrant essence. This delicate process from 1947 reminds us of the meticulous craftsmanship required to harness nature's healing powers. Botany takes center stage within "Hortus Sanitatis, " showcasing various plants' medicinal properties. From marjoram (Majorana hortensis) to thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Peter Schoffers' exquisite woodcuts offer intricate depictions that allow us to appreciate nature's bounty. Amongst these botanical wonders are male and female mandrakes, depicted separately but equally intriguing. Johannes de Cubas' Parisian edition from 1498 presents them with stunning detail, capturing their mythical allure alongside their potential medicinal uses. Basil (Ocimum basilicum), a member of the mint family native to tropical Asia, also graces these pages with its vibrant presence. Its aromatic leaves add flavor to culinary delights while offering potential health benefits—a testament to nature's versatility. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) stands tall among its herbal counterparts within Peter Schoffers' work—its slender branches adorned with delicate flowers symbolize remembrance and fidelity throughout history—an herb steeped in symbolism as well as practicality.