Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 797: Papaya Fructu – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £120
Publication Date: Not dated but 1737-1745
Format: Original hand-coloured copper engraving
Condition: In very good 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. Stain to top left hand corner which would be covered by a mount. Very minor age toning else in very good, bright, clean condition. A rare plate from this important work.

Location: Map Drawer B: Weinmann folder: 002061

Papaya: A Short Description

Papaya (scientifically known as Carica papaya) is a tropical fruit-bearing plant from the family Caricaceae. The fruit, commonly called papaya, is known for its sweet, juicy flesh and rich nutritional content. Native to Central and South America, the papaya tree is now grown in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.

Characteristics of the Papaya Fruit:

• Shape: The fruit is typically oval or pear-shaped, with a smooth green skin that turns yellow or orange as it ripens.
• Flesh: Inside, the flesh is bright orange or pinkish and has a soft, buttery texture. The flesh surrounds a central cavity filled with small, black, round seeds.
• Flavour: The flavour is sweet and mild, often compared to melon or peach, with a slightly musky undertone.
• Size: Papayas can vary in size, from small fruits weighing about 500 grams (1 lb) to large fruits weighing several kilograms (up to 10 lbs).

Nutritional Value:

• Vitamins and Minerals: Papaya is an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin A (in the form of beta-carotene), and folate. It also contains small amounts of calcium, magnesium, and potassium.
• Enzymes: Papaya contains the enzyme papain, which aids in digestion by breaking down proteins. This makes papaya a popular choice for improving digestion and as a natural meat tenderiser.

Health Benefits:

• Digestive Health: Due to its papain content and high fibre content, papaya is beneficial for digestive health and can help prevent constipation.
• Immune Support: The high levels of vitamin C and vitamin A in papaya support a healthy immune system.
• Skin Health: The antioxidants in papaya, especially vitamins C and E, help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals and can promote a healthy complexion.

Culinary Uses:

• Fresh: Papaya is most commonly eaten fresh, either on its own or in fruit salads. The ripe fruit is juicy and sweet, making it a refreshing snack.
• Smoothies: Papaya is often used in smoothies for its natural sweetness and creamy texture.
• Salads and Salsas: Green (unripe) papaya is used in savoury dishes like Thai green papaya salad. It adds a crunchy texture and mild flavour to dishes.
• Juices: Papaya juice is a popular tropical drink, often combined with other fruits like pineapple or orange.

Cultural Significance:

• In many cultures, papaya is not only valued for its nutritional benefits but also for its medicinal uses. For example, the seeds are sometimes used in traditional medicine for their potential antiparasitic properties, while the leaves are made into teas to aid in digestion and boost immunity.

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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Visit Hornseys to explore our fine collection of original hand-coloured engravings by Johann Wilhelm Weinmann. Located in the picturesque Yorkshire Dales, our Ripon gallery has been a haven for art lovers and collectors since 1976.