Sweet violet, Viola purpurea, and dames violet

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Sweet violet, Viola purpurea, and dames violet

Sweet violet, Viola purpurea, and dames violet, Matthiola incana. 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

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Media ID 23192074

© Florilegius/Mary Evans

Adam Alba Captions Dames Edition Herb Herbal Incana Krauterbuch Lonicer Pirate Purpurea Sweet Viola Violet Woodblock Woodcut Matronalis Matthiola

EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A Delightful Duo: Sweet Violet and Dames Violet, a Botanical Harmony from the 16th Century This exquisite handcoloured woodblock engraving showcases two beloved spring blooms, the Sweet Violet (Viola purpurea) and Dames Violet or Johnny-Jump-Ups (Matthiola incana), captured in their botanical splendor from the pages of Adam Lonicer's Krauterbuch or Herbal, published in Frankfurt in 1557. The Sweet Violet, Viola purpurea, is a classic spring ephemeral, with its heart-shaped, purple-blue flowers adorned with a distinctive white veining, blooming in woodlands and meadows. The plant's sweet, pleasant fragrance has long been cherished for its soothing properties and as a symbol of love and modesty. In contrast, the Dames Violet or Johnny-Jump-Ups, Matthiola incana, presents a captivating display of pink and white flowers with a distinctive "jumping" habit, bouncing back up after being pressed down. This charming trait earned the plant its common names. The Dames Violet was believed to have originated in the Mediterranean region and was often used in gardens for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. This botanical illustration is a remarkable example of the intricate detail and artistry of the 16th century. The engraving is handcoloured, with each petal, vein, and leaf meticulously filled in with vibrant hues. The Latin, Greek, French, Italian, German, and English captions surrounding the image attest to its international appeal and dissemination during this period. The Krauterbuch, or Herbal, was a popular and influential work, with numerous pirate editions and atlas reprints produced throughout the 17th century. This particular edition, featuring only the illustrations and captions, showcases the enduring fascination with the natural world and the importance of botanical knowledge during the Renaissance era.

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