HORTUS NITIDISSIMIS ... : Lilio - Narcussus IV; Guernsey-lily (print)

Original hand-coloured engraving drawn by Georg Ehret and executed by J. M. Seligmann. Leaf measures 19.9 x 14.2 inches (50.5 x 36 cm). Fine condition. Matted and ready for framing. From Christoph Trew's magnificent HORTUS NITIDISSIMIS OMNEM PER ANNUM SUPERBIENS FLORIBUS published in three volumes over a 36 year period from 1750-1786. Painted in a more opaque gouache to resemble a painting rather than the traditional practice of using translucent water-colours that allowed more of the engraving to show through. Each piece was meant to capture the flower at the peak of it's beauty instead of focusing solely on scientific detail. Ehret contributed 44 of the 180 illustrations in the entire work and is the single most important botanical artist of the era. HORTUS NITIDISSIMUS is considered to be one of the most sumptuous of the florilegia. Being one of the most elusive of the great flower books, the opportunity to own one of these leaves is reserved for only the most discriminating collectors.