George Ehret and Christoph Trew (Southern Magnolia). Plantae Selectae. Nuremberg, 1750-73. Framed Sold

Plate IX   “Magnolia Lauri folio subtus albicante…”

Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770) was the dominant influence in European botanical art during the mid-18th century. He was trained as a gardener, so his scientific and practical interest in his subjects was assured. Ehret painted many extraordinary watercolors and water colored engravings. These works reveal his love of plants and his unique talents as a botanical artist. Ehret's travels brought him into contact with Sir Hans Sloan, Carolus Linnaeus, Philip Miller, Johann Weinmann and many other important scientists and botanical artists of his time, but it was his generous patron Dr. Christopher Trew who made his famous works possible; Hortus Nitidissimus and Plantae Selectae.

This bold image was contained in Plantae Selectae, a one hundred plate work of rare and exotic plants including those recently introduced from the Americas. No expense was spared in the creation of this lavish work including the use of gold gilding on the titles.

Original hand colored copper plate engraving.
20.5 x 13 ¾ inches sheet size.
Archivally framed in carved gold leaf molding, UV plexiglas
Excellent original condition with full untrimmed margins.