Phytanthoza Iconographia – Plate 297 – Canna Indica Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £175
Publication Date: Not dated but 1737-1745
Format: Original hand-coloured copper engravings
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 37.7cm x 24.2cm

Condition:

Dating from 1737-1745, these are plates from ‘Phytanthoza Iconographia’, one of the most important botanical works of the 18th century. The illustrations for this florilegium were by Georg Dionysius Ehret and the engravings by Seuter and Ridinger. It is widely considered to be the first botanical work to use colour engraved prints. Very minor age toning else in near fine, bright, clean condition. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: Weinmann folder: 002062

Canna Indica: A Short Description

Canna indica, commonly known as Indian shot or African arrowroot, is a perennial flowering plant in the Cannaceae family. Despite its name, Canna indica is not native to India but originates from the tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is widely cultivated for its striking flowers and foliage, and in some regions, its rhizomes are used as a food source.

Characteristics:

• Flowers: Canna indica produces large, showy flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow. The flowers are typically borne on tall spikes above the foliage, making them a dramatic focal point in gardens.
• Leaves: The leaves are large, broad, and often lance-shaped, with a lush green colour. In some cultivars, the leaves may be tinged with purple or bronze.
• Growth Habit: This plant grows as a clump-forming perennial with upright stems that can reach heights of 1–2 metres (3–6 feet) or more.
• Rhizomes: Canna indica grows from thick, fleshy rhizomes that store energy and allow the plant to survive during dormant periods.

Habitat:

Canna indica thrives in warm, tropical climates but can also be grown in temperate regions as a summer-flowering plant. It prefers moist, well-drained soil and is often found in garden beds, borders, or as part of water gardens.

Cultivation:

• Light: Canna indica grows best in full sun but can tolerate partial shade, though it may not flower as profusely in lower light.
• Soil: It prefers rich, well-drained soil with ample organic matter. It can tolerate damp soil and is often planted near ponds or in rain gardens.
• Watering: Regular watering is important, especially in hot, dry climates. While it enjoys moist soil, it should not be waterlogged.
• Hardiness: In temperate climates, the rhizomes must be dug up and stored over the winter, as the plant is not frost-hardy. In tropical regions, it can be left in the ground year-round.

Uses:

1. Ornamental: Canna indica is widely grown as an ornamental plant for its bold, tropical appearance. It is a favourite in tropical-style gardens and adds height, texture, and colour to garden beds.
2. Edible: In some regions, the rhizomes of Canna indica are harvested for their starch content and used as a food source, particularly in parts of South America and Asia. The starch from the rhizomes is used to produce arrowroot flour, which is a gluten-free thickening agent.
3. Medicinal: Traditionally, parts of the plant have been used in herbal medicine for various ailments, though scientific evidence supporting these uses is limited.
4. Wildlife: The flowers attract pollinators such as hummingbirds, bees, and butterflies.

Interesting Facts:

• The name “Indian shot” comes from the plant’s hard seeds, which were historically used as projectiles in shotguns or as beads in jewellery.
• Canna indica has been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of its use by indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann: A Short Biography

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann (1683–1741) was a German apothecary and botanical illustrator, best known for his ambitious botanical work “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, one of the first large-scale botanical publications to use colour printing techniques. His contributions to botanical science and art remain significant due to the precision and beauty of the illustrations in this monumental work.

Early Life and Career

Weinmann was born on March 13, 1683, in Gardelegen, Germany. Little is known about his early life and education, but it is believed that he trained as an apothecary. He later moved to Regensburg, where he established himself as a successful pharmacist and herbalist. His deep interest in plants, herbs, and their medicinal properties grew during his time working in this field.

Apothecary and Botanist

In Regensburg, Weinmann became a prominent figure within the city’s apothecary and botanical circles. He was appointed as an apothecary to the city and managed a successful pharmacy. His knowledge of medicinal plants led him to compile information on various species, both local and exotic, and their medicinal uses. His desire to document plants in a comprehensive way led to the creation of his “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, an illustrated botanical text that would become his life’s work and enduring legacy.

Phytanthoza Iconographia

Between 1737 and 1745, Weinmann published “Phytanthoza Iconographia”, a multi-volume botanical work that contains over 1,000 hand-coloured engravings of plants. The project was highly ambitious, and it became one of the first large botanical works to use colour printing methods, specifically mezzotint, to produce vivid, life-like representations of plants.

• The work was executed by multiple artists and engravers under Weinmann’s direction. Notable among them were Georg Dionysius Ehret, who later became one of the most famous botanical illustrators of the 18th century, and Bartholomäus Seuter. Ehret contributed many of the early plates, but after a dispute with Weinmann, he left the project.
• Phytanthoza Iconographia featured plants from Europe as well as species newly discovered in the Americas and Asia, making it a valuable resource for both scientists and horticulturists of the time. The illustrations were praised for their accuracy and artistic quality, helping to advance the knowledge of botany and horticulture during a period of rapid exploration and scientific discovery.

Contributions to Science and Art

Weinmann’s work was notable for its detailed and systematic approach to documenting plants. It provided a comprehensive guide to plant taxonomy, using illustrations to aid in the identification of species. The combination of scientific rigour and artistic achievement in Phytanthoza Iconographia made it a key reference for botanists and gardeners throughout Europe.

The book also marked a significant advancement in the printing industry. The use of colour mezzotint—a technique that allowed for richer and more nuanced colour in printed images—was revolutionary at the time, and the accuracy of the plant depictions influenced botanical illustration for generations.

Personal Life and Legacy

Johann Wilhelm Weinmann passed away on March 1741, before the completion of his magnum opus. However, his work continued to be published posthumously, and it remained highly regarded in both botanical and artistic circles. Weinmann’s legacy lies in his pioneering approach to botanical illustration and his role in advancing the understanding of plant species and their medicinal properties. Phytanthoza Iconographia remains a valuable historical document and is still admired today for both its scientific importance and its aesthetic appeal.

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