Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 518: Frumentum Indicum – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £195
Publication Date: Not dated but 1737-1745
Format: Original hand-coloured copper engraving
Condition: In near fine condition, unframed
Sheet Size: Sheet Size: 43.3cm x 40.6cm

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. Original fold lines. Very minor age toning else in near fine, bright, clean condition. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: Weinmann folder: 002069

Frumentum Indicum (Maize): A Short Description

Frumentum Indicum is an older, Latin term that was historically used to refer to maize or corn (Zea mays), a cereal grain domesticated in Mesoamerica and widely cultivated around the world. The term “Frumentum” means “grain” in Latin, while “Indicum” refers to India or the “Indies,” a term used by Europeans to describe the Americas during the time of exploration and colonisation.

Key Points about

Frumentum Indicum (Maize):

• Scientific Name: Zea mays
• Common Name: Maize, corn
• Origin: Maize was first domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago. It spread throughout the Americas and was later introduced to Europe and other parts of the world following the Columbian Exchange.

Uses:

• Food: Maize is one of the most important staple crops globally. It is consumed in various forms, including cornmeal, corn flour, tortillas, popcorn, and sweet corn.
• Animal Feed: It is a significant source of feed for livestock.
• Industrial Uses: Maize is also processed for various industrial uses, including biofuels (such as ethanol) and in the production of starches and sweeteners.

Historical Context:

The term Frumentum Indicum likely emerged during the period of European exploration and colonization when crops like maize were introduced to Europe from the Americas. It reflects the old European practice of labelling newly discovered species with the “Indicum” suffix, as Europeans at the time believed the Americas were part of the “Indies.”

Today, the term is not commonly used, and maize or corn is the standard term in most languages for this essential crop.

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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