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Mandragora or Mandrake (male)
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Mandragora or Mandrake (male)
Mandragora or Mandrake (male). Woodcut illustration from Herbolario volgare Date: 1536
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Media ID 10290383
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1536 Mandragora Mandrake Woodcut
EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "The Enigmatic Mandrake: A Woodcut Illustration from Herbolario Volgare (1536)" The captivating image before you is a woodcut illustration of the Mandragora, or Mandrake, taken from Herbolario Volgare, a renowned herbal manuscript published in 1536. This intriguing botanical representation showcases the male form of the Mandrake root, a plant long shrouded in mystery and folklore. The Mandrake, scientifically known as Mandragora officinaris, has been an object of fascination for centuries due to its unique shape resembling a human figure. In this illustration, the root is depicted with a distinct humanoid form, complete with arms and legs, and a face at its top. The plant is shown surrounded by various herbs and tools, indicating its use in traditional medicine. The Mandrake's folkloric significance is deeply rooted in European history. It was believed that the plant could only be uprooted from the ground when it cried out, causing the death of the person holding it. This belief led to various methods being developed to ensure a safe extraction, such as tying a dog to the plant to draw out its cry or having a human companion hold the root to protect them from the supposed harm. Despite these superstitions, the Mandrake was valued for its medicinal properties. It was used to alleviate pain, induce sleep, and even believed to have aphrodisiac qualities. The root was typically prepared as a powder or decoction and consumed or applied topically. This woodcut illustration not only serves as a testament to the rich history of herbal medicine but also highlights the enduring fascination with the natural world and the mysteries it holds. The Mandrake, with its humanoid form and intriguing folklore, continues to captivate our imagination and inspire curiosity.
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