Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 419: Convolvulus Pennatus Americanus – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £175
Publication Date: Not dated but 1737-1745
Format: Original hand-coloured copper engraving
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: 002058

Convolvulus: A Short Description

The Convolvulus genus belongs to the family Convolvulaceae, commonly known as the morning glory family. This genus includes a wide variety of flowering plants, many of which are known for their twining or trailing growth habit and funnel-shaped flowers. Convolvulus species are found in diverse regions around the world, from tropical and subtropical areas to temperate zones, where they often grow as ornamental plants or wildflowers.

Key Characteristics:

• Flowers: The hallmark of the Convolvulus genus is its funnel-shaped flowers, often resembling the morning glory. These flowers come in shades of white, pink, blue, purple, or occasionally yellow. The blooms usually open in the morning and close by late afternoon, particularly in sunny conditions.
• Leaves: The leaves are typically heart-shaped, oval, or sometimes lobed, but species with divided or feather-like leaves (such as Convolvulus pennatus) also exist.
• Growth Habit: Many species are twining or climbing vines, though some are low-growing shrubs or ground covers. They are known for their fast growth and spreading tendencies, which can make them invasive in some regions.

Habitat:

• Convolvulus species are adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, though they prefer sunny, well-drained locations. They are often found in arid, sandy, or rocky soils, making them well-suited to Mediterranean climates.

Common Species:

1. Convolvulus arvensis (Field Bindweed):
   • A well-known invasive species that twines around other plants.
   • Features small, white to pale pink flowers.
   • Considered a weed in many parts of the world.
2. Convolvulus tricolour (Dwarf Morning Glory):
   • An ornamental species with vibrant, tri-coloured flowers in blue, white, and yellow.
   • Low-growing and often used as ground cover or in rock gardens.
3. Convolvulus cneorum (Silverbush):
   • A shrubby species with silver-grey foliage and white or pale pink flowers.
   • Drought-tolerant and popular in Mediterranean-style gardens.
4. Convolvulus sabatius (Blue Rock Bindweed):
   • A trailing plant with soft blue flowers, often used in hanging baskets and as ground cover.

Uses:

• Ornamental: Many Convolvulus species are cultivated for their attractive flowers and fast-growing nature, making them ideal for covering trellises, fences, or ground areas.
• Erosion Control: Some species are used for soil stabilisation in dry or sandy environments.
• Medicinal: Historically, some species of Convolvulus have been used in traditional medicine for various purposes, though their medicinal value is not well-established.

Cultivation:

• Light: Full sun is generally preferred for optimal flowering.
• Soil: They thrive in well-drained, sandy, or rocky soils. Overly rich or waterlogged soils may cause poor growth or rot.
• Watering: Once established, most Convolvulus species are drought-tolerant and require little water.
• Maintenance: They are low-maintenance plants, though some species (like Convolvulus arvensis) can become invasive and require control in gardens.

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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• Authenticity and Provenance: Every engraving is thoroughly researched and verified for authenticity.
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