Johann Christoph Volckamer (1662-1744) (editor)
Jos à Montategre (engraver)
Pineapple, Tab IV
from Nurnbergische Hesperides
Nuremberg: 1708-1714
Hand-colored engraving
17 x 13.75 inches
$3,200
Volckamer Pineapple Print
from Nurnbergische Hesperides
from Nurnbergische Hesperides
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Pineapple plant on a sturdy green stalk, the fruit cut in half revealing ripe golden fruit. There is a maritime view including many tall masted ships and cities in the background. A rarely-encountered double-size folding plate from Nurnbergische Hesperides.
Johann Volckamer made these prints during a time period in which it was fashionable among the aristocracy in Central Europe to grow citrus and tropical fruits despite the cold winter climate. Wealthy people built tall greenhouses or "orangeries" to shelter the trees during the winter, and had the plants moved outdoors in the summer. Nurnbergische Hesperides was originally issued in two volumes. The prints follow a distinctive format, in which prize varieties of fruits in monumental scale float in the sky above bird's-eye views or the plants tower over Lilliputian landscapes of the formal gardens, palazzos and country houses where they were grown. The places shown are in Nuremberg and northern Italy, especially around Verona. Each specimen is decorated with a ribbon bearing its name. The prints were engraved by various artists. Condition: Generally very good, the colors bright, the paper with the usual light overall toning, some minor scattered wear, soiling, soft creases. Old fold lines, margins a bit short, as issued. Some margins extended. Separation at one fold and short marginal tears professionally restored. |