Leucojum aestivum (Snowflake flower); Plate 21

Paris, 1622. Engraving with hand coloring. Image measures 13 x 8 1/4 inches, sheet measures 14 3/4 x 10 inches. Light stains, toning, small chip to right margin but otherwise in good condition.<br/> <br/> Leucojum aestivum, also called summer snowflake or Loddon lily, is a plant species widely cultivated as an ornamental. This beautifully designed botanical features the flower in profile with two pert daffodils, which are also in the Narcissus family. Daniel Rabel (1578 - 1637) was a French Renaissance painter, engraver, botanist and natural history illustrator. Rabel was first employed as a portrait painter by Marie de Medicis, the second wife of Henry IV of France. He served as Engineer in Ordinary for the King for the provinces of Brie and Champagne. The Theatrum Florae was originally published in Paris in 1622, and was a collection of botanical illustrations of 69 of the most striking plants then available, and which Rabel had been commissioned to paint for Gaston of Orleans. Rare.<br/> <br/>