Sweert | Florilegium amplissimum et selectissimum, 1641–1631

SWEERTS, EMANUEL

Florilegium amplissimum et selectissimum. Amsterdam: Jan Jansson, 1641 [bound with] Florilegii pars secunda. Amsterdam: Jan Jansson, 1631

2 parts in one volume, folio (394 x 248 mm), etched allegorical title and portrait of Sweerts, letterpress title to part 2, 110 engraved plates (numbered 1–67, 1–43), numerous woodcut initials and initial-frames and woodcut and type-ornament headpieces, early annotations and manuscript index at end, near contemporary vellum over pasteboards, plain endpapers, red-sprinkled edges, green cloth folding-case, green morocco spine label, minor worming, etched title extended, portrait supplied from another copy, occasional restoration or repairs, scattered spotting or dampstaining, a few plates shaved or cut close, binding worn and soiled

A good mixed set of Sweerts's popular work, which was widely reprinted. "The first two editions were essentially catalogues for the selling of plants and bulbs, while the later editions were true florilegia intended for the connoisseur and the scientist" (An Oak Spring Flora).

Sweerts divided his Florilegium into two parts: the first deals with bulbous species (including gladioli, hyacinth, iris, lilies, narcissi, daffodils, peonies, and, of course, tulips) and the second with species having "fibrous" roots (hellebores, canna, lily of the valley, chrysanthemums, and many others), as well as a number of fragrant trees such as myrtle, arbor vitae, and juniper. Altogether over 560 flowering bulbs, shrubs, trees, fruits, and vegetables are depicted, generally grouped by species.

LITERATURE:

cf. A Cleveland Herbal 182 & 207; De Belder sale 348; cf. Hunt 196; Nissen BBI 1921; cf. An Oak Spring Flora 9; Pritzel 9073

PROVENANCE:

Charles P. Berolzheimer, sale, Doyle, 3 November 1999, lot 258