Basilius Collection (page 3)

CYCLAMEN & LAVENDER, 1613. Ivy-leaved cyclamen (Primulaceae) and French lavender (Labitae). Engraving for Basilius Beslers Florilegium, published at Nuremberg in 1613

NETTLES AND MINT, 1613. Horsemint (pulegium aquaticum spicatum), spearmint (mentha crispa) and roman nettle (urtica romana), from Beslers " Florilegium, " published in Nuremberg in 1613

PEANUTS, 1613. I: Roof houseleek (Sempervium tectorum); II, III, and IV: Sedum; V: earthnut pea (Lathyrus tuberosus); VI: garden pea (Pisum savivum)

BOTANY: TOBACCO PLANT. (Nicotiana tabacum) in flower. Engraving for Basilius Beslers Florilegium, Nuremberg, 1613

POMEGRANATE, 1613. Pomegranate (Punica granatum), wild rock rose (Cistus monospeliensis), and " smoke" tree (Cotinus coggygria)

BOTANY: POTATO PLANT. (Solanum tuberosum) with thyme plants (Thymus sp. ) on either side
BOTANY: POTATO PLANT. (Solanum tuberosum) with thyme plants (Thymus sp.) on either side: engraving for Basilius Beslers Florilegium, published in Nuremberg in 1613

HONEYSUCKLE, 1613. Flowering rush (Butomus umbellatus), left; periwinkle (Vinca major), center; honeysuckle (Lonicera caprifolium), top right; and woodbine (Lonicera periclymenum)

Monkshead flowers. 17th century artwork of flowers from two monkshead (Aconitum sp.) plants. Their roots are used in herbal medicine preparations for their painkilling (analgesic) properties

Castor oil plant. 17th century artwork of a castor oil plant (Ricinus sp.), which is used in herbal medicine as a purgative (to discharge pus)

Peony flowers. 17th century artwork of two peony (Paeonia sp.) flowers (red) and stonecrop flowers (Sedum sp. lower left)

Rose flowers. 17th century artwork of four rose (Rosa sp.) plants and their flowers. A yellow rose (lower right), red rose (upper right), Scotch rose (Rosa spinosissima)

Acanthus flowers. 17th century artwork of flowers of the spine acanthus (Acanthus spinosus) and some forget-me-not flowers (Myosotis scorpioides, upper left & right)

Columbine flowers. 17th century artwork of flowers from three columbine (Aquilegia sp.) plants. These plants are used in herbal medicine as diuretics (to encourage urination)

BYZANTINES / 800-1000
L-R: A Man of Rank, Basilius (886), an Empress, an Emperor and Basilius II (1025)

Emperor Basilius II
EMPEROR BASILIUS II son of Romanus II added the Balkans, Mesopotamia and other regions to the Empire

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"Basilius Besler's Florilegium: A Botanical Masterpiece from 1613" Step back in time to the year 1613, when Basilius Besler unveiled his magnificent Florilegium, a collection of engravings that captured the beauty and diversity of nature. Amongst these remarkable illustrations were depictions of various plants and fruits, each meticulously detailed. In one engraving, we are introduced to the gourd family (Cucurbitaceae), showcasing the unique shapes and textures of this versatile plant. Taro or dasheen (Colocasia esculenta) also makes an appearance with its vibrant leaves adding a touch of elegance. And who could forget the pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo), symbolizing autumnal abundance? Moving on to another enchanting illustration, we encounter variegated Spanish iris (iris bulbosa mixta) alongside wild leek (moly latifolium). The contrasting colors and intricate patterns create a visual feast for the eyes. Another variegated Spanish iris (iris bulbosa varrigata) adds further intrigue to this botanical tapestry. Lily-of-the-valley (Convallaria majalis) takes center stage in yet another engraving, accompanied by St. Bruno's lily (Paradisea liliastrum) and pink lily-of-the-valley. These delicate flowers exude grace and purity as they dance across the page. Citrus fruits steal our attention next - citron (Citrus medica), Seville orange (Citrus aurantium), and orange itself bring their zesty aromas into our imagination. Their vibrant hues seem almost tangible through Besler's artistry. The poppy flower graces us with its presence in two captivating varieties while tomatoes make their debut as well – Lycopersicon esculentum bursting with juicy goodness.