Plate 179- By Michael Bry

• Artist: Michael Bry
• Medium: Engraving
• Publish Details: Frankfurt, 1719. Full hand coloring. From Viridarium Reformatum
• Measurements: Approx. 14 x 8 1/4 in. (sheet), 15 3/4 x 14 in. (mat)
• Conditions: Fairly good condition- small water stain inside of engraving plate mark. 

Valentini’s work was based largely upon Johann Theodor de Bry and Matthaus Merian’s Florilegium renovatum et auctum, published in 1641. It is widely believed that Valentini acquired de Bry and Merian’s original copperplates in order to complete his own botanical work. He also incorporated engravings after the works of Mattioli, Bauhin, and others, creating what he described as a “botanical library.”

Johann Theodor de Bry was an accomplished etcher, engraver, and publisher who came from an established family of artists and publishers. His son-in-law, Matthaus Merian, worked closely with him, and together they completed the Florilegium of 1641, an important work in the history of botanical illustration.