Magnificent Original Engraving by Emanuel Sweert. Germany, XVII Century. In Very Good Condition

This amazing botanical etching is an original from the 17th century performed by the prestigious painter and nurseryman Emanuel Sweert. The etching belongs to his opus magnum, the Florilegium Amplissimum et Selectissimum, a book published in Frankfurt in 1612. The work is strikingly well preserved and comes framed and protected by a glass pane. It depicts different kinds of flowers and bulbs with their corresponding Latin names. The etching preserves the original colors with lovely green, yellow, ochre, blue and pink shades that give light to the motives and fill them with realism. Emanuel Sweer (1552-1612) was a Dutch painter, nurseryman and plant trader that worked in the Netherlands and Germany during the 16th and 17th centuries. He was mainly noted for the publication of the botanic guide from which this lovely etching comes from. The prepared the handbook as a guide of his available stock for the Frankfurt Fair of 1612, the year of his decease. His plates are based in the Johann Theodore de Bry Florilegium, which in turn was inspired in Pierre Vallets plates. Sweerts designs became very popular because of their beauty and precision so six editions of his Florilegium were published, the last one in 1647. In 1612, Emanuel Sweerts was in the employ of Emperor Rudolf II as head of his gardens in Vienna. This particular work of art contains nine designs depicting seven types of flowers and two bulbous roots (the same root, actually). All the flowers belong to the anemone group, something stated in the top right corner: ANEMONE LATISFOL SPETIES. Each image is classified with its corresponding Latin name written in a nice cursive lettering. The etching is framed by a slim black line that surrounds and embellishes it, creating a balanced work full of beauty and scientific interest. The incredible antiquity of this etching and the prestige of its maker turn it into a wonderful piece, a real must for the best collection. Measurements: Width: 12.9 in/33 cm. Height: 12.5 in/47 cm.