Hortus Eystettensis, published in 1613, stands as a monumental achievement in the realms of botanical illustration and early modern horticulture. Commissioned by Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen of Eichstätt, Germany, the work was entrusted to Basilius Besler, a Nuremberg apothecary and botanist. Over sixteen years, Besler meticulously documented the diverse flora of the bishop’s garden at Willibaldsburg Castle, resulting in a comprehensive visual record of over 1,000 plant species. This garden was notable for being the first botanical garden in Germany and the only one outside Italy at the time.
The Hortus Eystettensis comprises 367 full-page copperplate engravings, each depicting plants with remarkable detail and accuracy. These illustrations were organized according to the four seasons, reflecting the natural blooming cycles: spring with 134 plates illustrating 454 plants, summer with 184 plates showing 505 plants, autumn with 42 plates depicting 98 species, and winter with 7 plates. The engravings showcased a wide array of flora, from common herbs and vegetables to exotic species imported from Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Each plant was portrayed near life-size, capturing intricate details from root to blossom, a significant departure from the stylized representations common in earlier herbals.
The publication was available in two editions: a black-and-white version intended for practical use, and a deluxe hand-colored edition aimed at collectors and connoisseurs. The latter was particularly prized for its aesthetic appeal and commanded a high price, reflecting its status as both a scientific resource and a work of art. The success of the Hortus Eystettensis not only solidified Besler’s reputation but also influenced subsequent botanical works, setting a new standard for the integration of scientific accuracy and artistic beauty.
Today, Hortus Eystettensis is celebrated as a landmark in botanical literature, offering invaluable insights into early 17th-century plant cultivation and artistic practices. Its detailed illustrations continue to inspire botanists, artists, and historians alike, serving as a testament to the enduring legacy of Renaissance botanical exploration and documentation. The work’s fusion of scientific inquiry and artistic expression exemplifies the period’s holistic approach to understanding and appreciating the natural world.