(Imperial Lemon Gourd) Nurembergiische Hesperides. Nuremberg, 1708-14. Framed $1,025.00

Page 138a “La Zucchetta Imperiale”” 

Volckamer was a wealthy Nuremberg merchant. He was part of the new monied class of gentlemen who could afford to maintain hothouses where they grew tropical plants year round despite the harsh winters of northern Europe.  Volckamer's famous work, Nurnbergische Hesperides was published in Nuremberg between 1708 and 1714.  Many aspects of the style of Volckamer's engravings exhibit his familiarity with the monograph on citrus produced by Giovanni Ferrari's half a century before, but Volckamer's images include remarkable backgrounds which are the hallmark of his work. His team of artists and engravers presented monumentally scaled prize varieties of fruit floating above far distant yet remarkably detailed landscapes of idealized European palaces, gardens and bucolic views. The striking images are appreciated by modern day collectors as records of garden planning as well as for their unusual compositions.

Large lemon with scarlet identifying ribbon floating above a lovely European village with red-roofed timber buildings, foreground busy with local citizens going about their business.

Copperplate engraving with modern hand color.
14 ¼ x 9 inches sheet. Archivally framed 20 x 15 inches outside dimension.
Excellent condition, clean and sharp impression, small margins.