Florilegium Imperiale. Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria
Munich: Prestel, 2006. First edition. Hardcover. Folio. 303 (1)pp. Original color-illustrated cream cloth with gilt-stamped initials of title and black lettering on cover, b/w lettering on spine, in original burgundy slipcase. Burgundy endpapers. Color frontispiece. Burgundy ribbon marker. Francis I of Austria was the last ruler of the Holy Roman Empire. This beautiful compendium is dedicated to one of the emperor Francis' passion, his gardens. "Atop the bastion next to his palace, His Majesty the Emperor (Franz) possesses a small garden immediately adjacent to his cabinet to where he may retire unseen by the people. It contains a truly imperial treasure of succulents that are splendid..." Illustrated with one hundred and twenty beautiful renderings of plants and flowers from the Royal gardens by Matthias Schmutzer who was commissioned by the emperor to paint portraits of every flower in his garden. Contains bibliography. Following the 120 plates we find notes on the plants, an essay by Marina Heilmeyer on Francis Viennese Gardens, an epilog by H. Walter Lack and the index. Fine condition. Item #49485
ISBN: 3791334921
Price: $125.00