Abraham Munting, Waare oeffening der planten, waar in de rechte aart, natuere, en verborgene eigenschappen der boomen, heesteren, kruiden, ende bloemen, die in onze Neder-en Hoog-Duitsche landen, gezaait, geplant, bewaart, ende gebruykt worden, getrouwelijk beschreven zijn: met een vermakelijcke onderrechtinge om de selve op alle manieren te kunnen planten, saayen, verpoten, vercieren, ende bewaren. Met 40 kopere plaaten van de raarste planten verçiert. Amsterdam: J. Rieuwertsz, 1672. Quarto: [72], 652, [38] pages. With engraved title, engraved frontispiece, and 40 full-page plates depicting numerous plant species; woodcut ornament on title page; 3 leaves with some marginal traces of damp; bound in nice contemporary vellum, inscribed spine. Waare oeffening der planten, published in 1672, is a remarkable and distinctive work in the history of botany. Written in Dutch, its full title — typical of scientific publications of the time — announces an in-depth exploration of the "true practice of plants", particularly those found in the regions of the Netherlands and Germany. The book is presented as a practical and naturalist’s guide, describing the nature, hidden properties, and medicinal virtues of trees, shrubs, herbs, and flowers. It fits within the tradition of Renaissance herbals, combining empirical observation, medicinal folklore, and scientific speculation. What distinguishes this first edition is notably the inclusion of 40 copper engravings depicting some of the rarest plant species in the region. At a time when photography did not yet exist, such illustrations played a crucial role in disseminating botanical knowledge. They provided readers — often apothecaries, physicians, or scholarly gardeners — with a valuable visual aid for identifying the plant species described. The aesthetics of the engravings also reflect the artistic sensibility of the 17th century, when the beauty of natural forms was celebrated as much as their utility. The content of the book blends science with popular belief. The author appears to be animated by a deep reverence for nature, which he sees both as a divine gift and a source of healing. The work contains detailed descriptions of cultivation methods, preservation techniques, as well as medicinal and occasionally magical-religious uses of plants. The text reveals a worldview still influenced by alchemy and the “doctrine of signatures”, according to which each plant held a hidden "intention" expressed in its form or colour. Today, Waare oeffening der planten is not only a scientific document but also a cultural and historical artefact. It reflects how Europeans of the time perceived the plant world — not merely as background decoration, but as a living, mysterious entity full of virtues to be discovered. As a bibliographic rarity, a first edition from 1672 is especially valuable to collectors and researchers specialising in the history of botany, early medicine, and the art of printing. ABRAHAM MUNTING (1626–1683) Abraham Munting was a Dutch physician, botanist, and naturalist. He was notably influenced by the great botanical advances of his time, particularly those coming from the flourishing botanical gardens across Europe. He contributed to the rise of systematic botany and the medicinal application of plants. Munting practised medicine and combined his medical and botanical knowledge to produce a work that went beyond a simple herbal: it was a true practical guide for cultivating, using, and preserving plants. He was interested in their uses in medicine, nutrition, and in their natural and hidden properties. As a practising physician, Munting offered a pragmatic perspective closely tied to the practices of his day. STRANGE OR EVEN SURREAL ILLUSTRATIONS The book is particularly famous for its 40 copper-engraved plates, which depict rare and often exotic plants in striking detail. These images, accompanying the plant descriptions, were crucial not only for helping readers identify the species, but also for providing an essential visual complement to the text. The engravings are detailed and realistic, though they also carry a stylisation typical of botanical works of the era. Each plant is meticulously drawn, often with captions describing its physical features, natural habitat, and medicinal or culinary uses. Munting ensured that readers could understand and replicate methods for cultivating, caring for, and preserving plants, and the illustrations were essential to this endeavour. The illustrations in Waare oeffening der planten can indeed appear strange — or even ‘bizarre’ — by modern standards. This impression arises from several factors: 1. Visual Stereotypes: Some illustrations appear distorted or stylised compared to real botanical specimens. This was not due to artistic error, but rather reflects a trend of the time in which plants were sometimes depicted with exaggerated forms or features. For instance, leaves might appear disproportionately large or small, or particular parts of the plant might be emphasised to highlight their usefulness or uniqueness (e.g., an elongated root to stress its medicinal properties). 2. Abstraction and Symbolism: In the 17th century, plant symbolism remained prevalent, and illustrations did not merely aim to replicate natural appearances but often sought to reveal mystical or medicinal attributes. Plants were sometimes depicted in an idealised or symbolic manner, rather than through strictly empirical observation. Some images may thus appear subtly distorted, as if artists were attempting to merge natural reality with hidden meaning. 3. Technical Limitations of Copper Engraving: Though precise and detailed, copper engraving had its limitations in rendering texture and tone. Finer details were sometimes difficult to capture, which could result in exaggeration or stylisation. Plants may appear stiff or static, occasionally lacking the natural fluidity expected in modern botanical illustration. 4. Artistic Conventions of the Period: In 1672, modern realism was not yet the dominant paradigm in scientific illustration. Artists were often trained in traditions that prioritised proportion and symmetry, occasionally at the expense of strict naturalism. Plants were also sometimes depicted from unconventional angles — either to better illustrate their structure or to emphasise them as objects of study. 5. Exotic Plants: Certain exotic species were poorly understood at the time, and their depictions could appear especially strange due to a lack of first-hand observation. Plants imported from Asia, Africa, or the Americas were often illustrated based on travellers’ accounts or oral descriptions, which could lead to inaccurate proportions or misrepresented features. Despite their strangeness, these illustrations have a distinct charm and reflect the scientific curiosity of the age. They offer a fascinating glimpse into how early modern scholars perceived and attempted to depict the natural world. In fact, their unusual qualities are part of what makes Munting’s work so compelling today — they blend scientific rigour with imaginative flair, offering a lovely window into the past.