Description
Medium: Copperplate etching / engraving on laid paper.
Size (in cm): The overall size is ca. 42.3 x 51.5 cm. The image size is ca. 40 x 48.2 cm.
Size (in inch): The overall size is ca. 16.7 x 20.3 inch. The image size is ca. 15.7 x 19 inch.
From: ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ by Basilius Besler, originally published in Germany in 1613. Later ed. in 1640 and 1713. These plates are from the 1640 ed. with no rear text (shining through).
Engraved/etched by ‘R. Custodis’ after ‘Basilius Besler’. Raphael Custos (1590-1664) was a German engraver from the Custos / Kilian family of engravers from Augsburg. His father was the Flemish Domenicus Custos / Custodis (c. 1560-1612), who married the widow Kilian in Augsburg. His brothers David and Jacob were engravers as well. Basilius Besler (1561 – 1629), a respected apothecary and botanist from Nuremberg, Germany. He is best known for his momumental large folio botanical work ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ with 374 copperplate engravings. These prints, made by a team of master engravers, are strong and exquisitely done.