Tab. L. "Ficus... Ficus benghalensis"

Georg Dionysius Ehret (1708-1770) was the dominant influence
in European botanical art during the mid 18th century. Ehret was
trained as a gardener, so his scientific and practical interest
in his subjects was assured, and his watercolors and watercolored
engravings reveal his unique talents as a botanical artist who
loved plants.  His travels brought him into contact with Sir
Hans Sloan, Carolus Linneaus, Philip Miller, Johann Weinmann
and many other important scientists and botanical artists of
his time, but it was his generous patron, Dr. Christof Trew
who made his most famous works possible; Hortus Nitidissimis
and Plantae Selectae.   This bold image was contained in
Plantae Selectae, a 100 plate work of rare and exotic plants,
including those recently introduced from the Americas.
No expense was spared in the creation of this lavish production,
including the use of gold leaf gilding on the titles.

This image shows Ehret's familiarity with Linnean theory. The sexual
parts of the plant are shown and identified and the plant is
identified by its number (#471) in Hortus Cliffordianus; the book of
Linnaeas' descriptions of George Clifford's garden.

Framed to museum specifications to a finished size of 25 x
   23 3/4 inches.
Handcolored copperplate engraving.
Excellent condition.