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Mandrake, female, Mandragora officinarum
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Mandrake, female, Mandragora officinarum
Mandrake, female, Mandragora officinarum, Atropa mandragora, Mandragore femelle. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by Jean Victor Dupin junior from Pierre Joseph Buchoz Herbier Artificial, representant plus de quinze cents plates, tant Europeennes qu Exotiques, Gogue & Nee de La Rochelle, Paris, 1783
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Media ID 23381692
© Florilegius
1370 1783 Artificial Arum Buchoz Cents Cowl Dupin Europ Ennes Feuilles Filius Friars Herbal Herbier Larus Linn Mandragora Mandrake Officinarum Pierre Plates Quexotiques Quinze Representant Tant Victor Vulgare
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This exquisitely hand-colored copperplate engraving by Jean Victor Dupin junior, titled "Mandrake, female, Mandragora officinaris," is an intriguing representation of one of the most legendary plants in European folklore. Dating back to the 18th century, this image is taken from Pierre Joseph Buchoz's Herbier Artificial, a comprehensive collection of over fifteen hundred European and exotic plant plates published in Paris in 1783. The mandrake, also known as Mandragora officinaris, is a plant that has long been shrouded in mystery and superstition. In this engraving, the female mandrake is depicted with elongated, humanoid roots, dressed in a monk's cowl, and surrounded by various birds, including a larus (seagull) and an arisarum (a type of orchid). These birds are believed to have been attracted to the mandrake's pungent smell, which was thought to resemble that of a dead body. The mandrake's large, arrow-shaped leaves are also visible in the illustration, adding to its striking appearance. The mandrake was believed to possess powerful medicinal properties and was used in traditional medicine for various ailments, including pain relief and as a sedative. However, its use was also associated with darker practices, such as witchcraft and magic. This beautiful and intricately detailed engraving is a testament to the fascination that the mandrake held for European botanists and naturalists during the 18th century. It is a stunning example of the art of botanical illustration, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and the skill of the engraver. The hand-coloring adds an extra layer of visual interest, making this a truly unique and captivating work of art.
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