Phytanthoza Iconographia: Plate 833: Primula Veris Variorum Colorum – Original Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving

Publisher: Johann Wilhelm Weinmann
Price: £125
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: 002057

Primula Veris: A Short Description

Primula veris, commonly known as cowslip, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and parts of Asia. It typically thrives in meadows, grasslands, and woodland clearings. Here are some key features of Primula veris:

Characteristics:

• Flowers: The flowers are usually bright yellow with a deeper orange spot at the base of each petal. They bloom in the spring, forming clusters at the end of a single, upright stem.
• Leaves: The leaves are wrinkled, oblong, and form a rosette at the base of the plant. They are slightly hairy and have a fresh, green colour.
• Height: Cowslips grow to about 10–30 cm (4–12 inches) tall.

Habitat:

• Prefers calcareous (alkaline) soils and can often be found in open meadows, grassy fields, and even roadside verges.
• It is a spring-flowering plant, typically blooming between March and May.

Uses:

• Historically, cowslip has been used in traditional medicine for its sedative and anti-inflammatory properties.
• The flowers are sometimes used to make cowslip wine.

Conservation:

• In some areas, Primula veris has become less common due to habitat loss, but it is not considered endangered.

Primula veris hybrids are cultivated varieties created by crossing Primula veris (cowslip) with other species of the Primula genus, or by selectively breeding within the species. These hybrids often offer a greater diversity of colours and forms compared to the wild-type cowslip, which is typically yellow. Here are some common aspects of Primula veris hybrids:

Characteristics:

• Flower Colours: While the typical Primula veris is yellow with orange markings, hybrids can come in various colours, such as red, pink, orange, white, and even bi-coloured forms.
• Size: Hybrids may vary in size, but most maintain the compact growth habit of the parent plant, ranging from 10–30 cm in height.
• Flower Shape: Some hybrids may have slightly larger or more elaborate flowers, depending on the cross.

Popular Hybrids:

• Polyanthus Primulas: These are commonly known hybrid primroses, often featuring vibrant, multicoloured blooms in shades that are not typical of the original species. Although not directly Primula veris hybrids, they are sometimes crossed with other primula species to create new variants.
• Primula × pruhoniciana: This hybrid is a cross between Primula veris and Primula elatior, known for producing a variety of colour forms, ranging from pale yellows to deep oranges and reds.

Growing Conditions:

• Light: Like their wild relatives, Primula veris hybrids prefer part-shade to full sun, depending on climate.
• Soil: They prefer well-drained soil, enriched with organic matter, but can tolerate heavier soils as long as they don’t get waterlogged.
• Watering: Regular watering is important, especially during dry spells, but they don’t like to sit in wet soil.

Garden Use:

Primula veris hybrids are popular for brightening up spring gardens, as they bring diverse colours to borders, containers, or rock gardens. They are also good for naturalising in lawns or wildflower areas, where they can form colourful drifts.

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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