Titolo

Icones Plantarum 1800

First Edition  

Description of th work

We are offering a selection of the best and most wanted prints from the exceedingly rare and beautiful original hand colored copper engravings on medicinal plants, published in Vienna from 1800 to 1822 by Ferdinand Bernhard Vietz (1772-1815).

F.B. Vietz was an Austrian pharmacologist, Professor of Forensic Medicine at the University of Vienna and artist that drawn the 1100 subject of this monumetal work. The well-known cartographic engraver, Ignaz Albrecht engraved the 1100 copper plates and printed them: only best quality laid-watermarked paper was used. Ignaz Albrecht completed the work after the early death of Vietz.

It was published at a time when Germany was transitioning from an elaborate style to the classic & elegant Biedermaier period. Under the neo-classical influence, design became simpler and more sophisticated. The style of Vietz is very eyes catching.

The bibliography states that "Today, the work appears to be of extreme rarity, not being held in any other of the United Kingdom's national or public, or private library collections. Only three copies have been found in North American libraries, of which two are certainly fragile and in need of conservation. One copy is in the Austrian National Library."

The plate measure approximately 9 1/4 inches wide by 7 1/4 inches long.

The condition of these prints is very good, with characteristic strong plate marks and dates on contemporary paper that is a very good conditions. There is no foxing. 

All our prints are authentic hand colored antique prints, and the Vietz' are more that 200 years old & in remarkable condition. 

We describe all items as accurately as possible with any condition exceptions noted. Please use your judgement to confirm our accuracy and take into consideration that unless otherwise stated, these items are used. Please make careful decisions before bidding and email us with any questions.

Ref: Great Flower Books (1990) p. 147; British Natural History Museum.