Art meets science in this catalogue of botanical illustrations. Drawn from the archives of the National Library of Vienna, these exquisite colour reproductions range from sixth-century manuscripts to nineteenth-century masterpieces and pay homage to both the skill of botanical artists and the abundance of natural flora.

Heaven on Earth

Botanical masterpieces from the National Library of Vienna

In the pursuit of the pleasure of knowledge and beauty, the art of botanical illustration has always required meticulous draughtsmanship and a rigorous scientific understanding. This new edition, which includes new images, surveys the entire botanical tradition and its talents, with a selection of the best works from the National Library of Vienna.

From Byzantine manuscripts to 19th century masterpieces, through peonies, lilies and chrysanthemums, these exquisite reproductions dazzle with their precision and aesthetics. Whether with carefully rolled leaves, precisely drawn fruit textures or the sheer beauty and variety of colours, this art form is as delicate as it is precise, and even raises our awareness of the ecological environment and the precious and endangered natural flora.

About the author

H. Walter Lackes is professor at the Free University of Berlin and was formerly director of the Botanical Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin-Dahlem. A leading expert on the history of botany, his research focuses on the transfer of useful and ornamental plants to other parts of the world from a cultural and historical perspective. At TASCHEN he has published the books Garden of Eden, The Book of Palms and Redouté, The Book of Flowers.

• Pages: 512
• Language: English
• Author: H. Walter Lack
• Year: 2022
• MODEL: 9783836591911

Publisher: Taschen