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Mandragora officinarum, 1836 (hand-coloured engraving)
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Mandragora officinarum, 1836 (hand-coloured engraving)
618064 Mandragora officinarum, 1836 (hand-coloured engraving) by Bessa, Pancrace (1772-1835); Private Collection; (add.info.: Illustration from Flore des jardiniers, amateurs et manufacturiers: D aprAs les dessins de Bessa. Extraits de l Herbier de l amateur. Also called Devils Apples or Love Apple, this species of mandrake is native to northern Italy, the Balkans and Turkey.); The Stapleton Collection; French, out of copyright
Media ID 22413258
© The Stapleton Collection / Bridgeman Images
Flore Des Jardiniers Mandragora Officinarum Mandrake Petals Roots
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This hand-coloured engraving from 1836 showcases the Mandragora officinarum, also known as Devils Apples or Love Apple. The artwork, created by Pancrace Bessa (1772-1835), is part of the private collection in France and was featured in the book Flore des jardiniers, amateurs et manufacturiers: D aprAs les dessins de Bessa. The image beautifully captures the intricate details of this unique plant species native to northern Italy, the Balkans, and Turkey. Its vibrant flowers with delicate petals and leaves are depicted with remarkable precision, showcasing the artist's mastery of botanical illustration. Mandrake has long held a place in folklore and mythology due to its peculiar root shape resembling a human figure. In ancient times, it was believed that uprooting this mystical plant would cause shrieks that could drive anyone who heard them insane. Consequently, mandrakes were often associated with magic rituals and used for medicinal purposes. This print serves as a testament to both nature's beauty and humanity's fascination with plants throughout history. It invites us to appreciate not only their aesthetic qualities but also their cultural significance. Whether admired for its artistic value or studied for its botanical accuracy, this engraving offers a glimpse into our enduring relationship with flora while reminding us of our connection to the natural world around us.
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