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Purple foxglove, Digitalis purpurea altera
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Purple foxglove, Digitalis purpurea altera
Purple foxglove, Digitalis purpurea altera, and mandrake, Mandragora officinarum. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557. This from a 17th century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and in English manuscript
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Media ID 23192618
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Adam Altera Captions Digitalis Edition Foxglove Herb Herbal Krauterbuch Latin Lonicer Mandragora Mandrake Officinarum Pirate Purple Purpurea Woodblock Woodcut
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite handcoloured woodblock engraving is taken from the botanical illustration section of Adam Lonicer's Krauterbuch, or Herbal, published in Frankfurt in 1557. The illustration features two intriguing plants: the Purple Foxglove, Digitalis purpurea altera, and the Mandrake, Mandragora officinaris. The Purple Foxglove, also known as Digitalis purpurea altera, is a beautiful and poisonous plant that has long been used in traditional medicine. Its bell-shaped, vibrant purple flowers bloom in the summer and are often used to make a potent heart medication. However, all parts of the plant are toxic and can cause serious harm if ingested or handled carelessly. The Mandrake, Mandragora officinaris, is another intriguing plant depicted in this engraving. It is a parasitic plant with a distinctive human-like root system, which has given rise to numerous myths and legends throughout history. The root was believed to have medicinal properties and was used to treat various ailments, including pain, fever, and even infertility. This woodblock engraving is a stunning example of the intricate detail and artistry that went into botanical illustrations during the Renaissance period. The illustration itself is handcoloured, adding an extra layer of beauty and depth to the already impressive detail. The pirate edition or atlas of illustrations from which this print is taken is a fascinating historical artifact. It is a testament to the importance of botany and natural history during the Renaissance, as well as the global exchange of knowledge and ideas that took place during this period. The captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English manuscript further underscore the international scope of this work. Overall, this woodblock engraving is a captivating glimpse into the world of botanical illustration during the Renaissance, showcasing the beauty and intrigue of the natural world, as well as the advanced techniques and knowledge of the time.
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