Rare-Antique Print-LINUM CATHARTICUM-PURGING FLAX-PL.148-Belleval-1796

‘148. LINUM CATHARTICUM . L. – 2.S.’

Plate 146: This plate shows Linum catharticum, purging flax or fairy flax.

Made by Pierre Richer de Belleval after own design.

Etching / engraving on hand laid (verge) paper. Watermark: lettering.

Sheet size: 19 x 25 cm (7.48 x 9.84 inch). Image size: 9 x 16 cm. (3.54 x 6.3 inch).

Condition: very good, given age. Some foxing. General age-related toning and/or occasional minor defects from handling. Please study scan carefully.

LINUM CATHARTICUM-PURGING FLAX-PL.148

PCO-C39-09

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

This botanical print originates from: ‘Demonstrations elementaires de botanique.’ (transl: Elementary botanical exhibits.), by J.E. Gilibert, published by Bruyset Aine et Cie., Lyon, 1796. This work contains the engravings by the reknown botanist Pierre Richer de Belleval, engraved much earlier between 1598 and 1632. Pierre Richer de Belleval / Belleville (1564-1632), a French botanist, considered the father of scientific botany. He was a physician to French kings, botanist and created botanical gardens. In 1598 he started to produce engravings, but he did not live to see most of them published.