Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 753: Nasturtium Indicum – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £295
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: 002059

Tropaeolum: A Short Description

The Tropaeolum genus, commonly known as nasturtium, is a group of flowering plants in the family Tropaeolaceae. These plants are known for their bright, colourful flowers, edible leaves, and fast-growing, trailing or climbing habit. Native to Central and South America, Tropaeolum species are popular as ornamental garden plants worldwide.

Key Characteristics:

• Flowers: The flowers are trumpet-shaped and spurred, with vivid colours ranging from bright orange, yellow, red, and sometimes even bi-coloured. The blooms have five petals and are generally large and showy.
• Leaves: The leaves are round or shield-shaped, with a central stem attachment (peltate leaves), and are often bright green. They are edible and have a peppery taste, similar to watercress.
• Growth Habit: Many species are either trailing or climbing plants, making them suitable for covering trellises, fences, or as ground cover. Some species have a bushy, compact form.
• Fruit: After flowering, the plants produce a segmented fruit, which eventually splits into three seeds.

Common Species:

1. Tropaeolum majus (Garden Nasturtium):
   • The most well-known and widely cultivated species, Tropaeolum majus is used in ornamental gardens for its vibrant flowers and quick-growing, sprawling vines.
   • Growth Habit: Trailing or climbing, ideal for hanging baskets, trellises, or ground cover.
   • Flowers: Brightly coloured flowers in shades of red, orange, and yellow.
   • Uses: The leaves, flowers, and seeds are all edible and have a peppery taste. They are commonly used in salads, garnishes, and as a substitute for capers.
2. Tropaeolum peregrinum (Canary Creeper):
   • Known for its unique, fringed yellow flowers that resemble canary birds in flight.
   • Growth Habit: A fast-growing vine, it can quickly cover fences or trellises.
   • Flowers: Small, bright yellow flowers with deeply lobed petals.
3. Tropaeolum tuberosum (Mashua):
   • Cultivated for its edible tubers in the Andean region.
   • Growth Habit: A climbing plant, with tuberous roots that are used as a food crop in the Andes.
   • Flowers: Orange or red flowers with a long spur.
   • Uses: The tubers are a staple food in some South American countries and are known for their strong, peppery taste.
4. Tropaeolum speciosum (Flame Nasturtium or Scottish Flame Flower):
   • Known for its brilliant red flowers and climbing habit.
   • Growth Habit: A twining climber, often used to cover walls or fences.
   • Flowers: Small but striking, deep red flowers that create a dramatic effect.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Tropaeolum species prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Soil: They grow best in well-drained soil but can thrive in poor soils, where they tend to produce more flowers. Rich soils lead to more foliage growth but fewer flowers.
• Watering: Regular watering is required, especially in hot weather, though they can tolerate dry conditions once established.
• Climate: Most species are annuals in temperate climates, but they can be grown as perennials in frost-free areas. They are generally frost-sensitive.

Uses:

• Ornamental: Tropaeolum species are widely grown for their vibrant flowers and versatile growth habit, making them ideal for hanging baskets, garden beds, borders, or climbing structures.
• Edible: The flowers, leaves, and immature seeds of many species are edible and have a peppery flavour, often used in salads, garnishes, or even pickled as a substitute for capers.
• Medicinal: In traditional medicine, Tropaeolum species have been used for their purported antimicrobial and diuretic properties.

Interesting Facts:

• The name “nasturtium” is derived from the Latin words nasus (nose) and tortum (twisted), referencing the strong peppery smell of the plants.
• The seeds of Tropaeolum species, especially Tropaeolum majus, can be pickled and used as a substitute for capers.

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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