Basilius Besler’s Hortus Eystettensis is a monumental work of botanical art and science, showcasing the stunning plant collection of Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen’s garden in Eichstätt, Bavaria. This Renaissance-style garden, situated on the Willibaldsburg overlooking Eichstätt, was a marvel of horticultural achievement. It was the first botanical garden in Germany and the only one outside of Italy at the time. Besler, along with a team of skilled artists and engravers, spent sixteen years meticulously capturing the beauty and diversity of these plants, from humble wildflowers to exotic imports. Published in 1613, this lavish folio is renowned for its exquisite 367 copperplate engravings, depicting over 1,000 plant species with extraordinary detail and accuracy. Each illustration captures the intricate beauty of the plant, from its roots to its flowers. This masterpiece of botanical art has had a lasting impact on the field, influencing generations of artists and scientists.

Basilius Besler, a Nuremberg apothecary and botanist, was commissioned by the Prince-Bishop to document the garden’s splendor.  The resulting work is a testament to the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and remains a significant contribution to the history of botany and art.  Hortus Eystettensis is not merely a scientific record but also a work of artistic beauty. The large-format engravings, often exceeding a foot in height, showcase the plants in their full glory, with intricate details of leaves, flowers, and roots. The delicate shading and precise line work of the illustrations are a testament to the skill and dedication of the artists involved.

Hortus Eystettensiscontinues to inspire and captivate viewers centuries later, offering a glimpse into the past and a celebration of the enduring beauty of the natural world. 

(A newly discovered copy of this celebrated florilegium, a deluxe rare coloured copy of the first edition recently sold at auction (2016) for over $2 million dollars.)