Home > Mary Evans Prints Online > New Images August 2021
Poison gooseberry, Withania somnifera
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Poison gooseberry, Withania somnifera
Poison gooseberry, Withania somnifera, and bladder cherry, Physalis alkekengi. Handcoloured woodblock engraving of a botanical illustration from Adam Lonicers Krauterbuch, or Herbal, Frankfurt, 1557. This from a 17th century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, with captions in Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and in English manuscript
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 23192638
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Adam Bladder Captions Cherry Edition Gooseberry Herb Herbal Krauterbuch Lonicer Physalis Pirate Poison Solanum Somniferum Woodblock Woodcut
EDITORS COMMENTS
This exquisite hand-colored woodblock engraving is an intriguing glimpse into the botanical world of the 16th century. The image depicts two plants, Withania somnifera, commonly known as Poison Gooseberry or Indian Ginseng, and Physalis alkekengi, also called Bladder Cherry or Winter Cherry. Withania somnifera is shown on the left, its branches adorned with small, yellow berries, while Physalis alkekengi is illustrated on the right, its lantern-shaped fruit hanging from its distinctive, inflated calyx. The botanical illustration is taken from Adam Lonicer's Krauterbuch, or Herbal, published in Frankfurt in 1557. This particular print is from a 17th-century pirate edition or atlas of illustrations only, featuring captions in multiple languages, including Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English manuscript. Withania somnifera, a native of Asia, was believed to have various medicinal properties and was used in traditional Ayurvedic and Unani systems of medicine. The plant was also known as 'poison gooseberry' due to its bitter taste and potential toxicity if ingested in large quantities. Physalis alkekengi, on the other hand, is native to the Eastern Hemisphere and was used for its edible fruit and medicinal properties. The intricate details of the engraving showcase the meticulous work of the botanical illustrator, capturing the essence of these plants and their unique characteristics. The use of hand-coloring adds an additional layer of beauty and depth to the image, making it a valuable historical document and a testament to the rich botanical knowledge of the time.
MADE IN THE UK
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Basket.
