Pietro Andrea Mattioli - Kreutterbuch - 1611

Rare in Original Hand-coloring!

Beautiful leaf with rare original hand-colored woodcuts from the 1611 Frankfurt edition of Pietro Andrea Mattioli’s celebrated Kreutterbuch, one of the most influential botanical and medical works of the Renaissance. Mattioli’s herbal served as a standard reference throughout Europe for over a century and is renowned for its detailed botanical illustrations and descriptions of medicinal plants.

The recto features two finely hand-coloured woodcuts illustrating varieties of Indian or Calicut pepper (Capsicum), among the earliest printed European depictions of New World peppers. The verso contains the continuation of the text discussing the plant’s characteristics, medicinal properties, and uses. The work reflects the growing botanical knowledge of the early seventeenth century and the introduction of exotic plants into European medicine and horticulture.

A highly desirable botanical leaf, combining scientific importance, attractive contemporary colouring, and strong decorative appeal. An excellent example from one of the landmark herbals in the history of botany and medicine.

Dimensions: 35,4 x 20,7 cm
Condition: Good, paper browned and with some spots due to age. Lower white margin with old restoration.

Attention for US buyers: Due to recent export problems higher shipping costs to the US apply!