Johann Christoph Volkamer: Nürnbergische Hesperides Frontis Pages From 1713 Framed Set of 6

We are offering a set of Six J. C. Volkamer (1644–1720) Copperplate Frontice Illustrations that were originally printed circa 1713. They are beautifully hand colored and are a very rare find.
We purchased this set at a fine Atlanta estate sale. Each frame measures 19 by 24 inches and the filet is the same on each with the bottom mat of various sizes to make the set look perfect.

Johann Christoph Volkamer was a German merchant and botanist who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. He is best known for his intricate and beautifully detailed illustrations of citrus fruits. His work, titled “Nuremberg Hesperides,” is considered one of the most remarkable achievements in botanical art of the Baroque period.

His passion for fruit led him to commision a team of copperplate engravers to create 256 plates of 170 varieties of citrus fruits, published in a two-volume work. The first volume appeared in 1708, with the impressively lengthy title The Nuremberg Hesperides, or, A detailed description of the noble fruits of the citron, lemon and bitter orange; how these may be correctly planted, cared for and propagated in that and neighboring regions, based on his own observations and the fruits he collected.

The “Nürnberger Hesperides” consists of several volumes, with each volume featuring detailed illustrations of different types of citrus fruits. The illustrations are accompanied by descriptions, often in multiple languages, detailing the characteristics, origins, and cultural significance of each fruit. The work is not only a botanical masterpiece but also a cultural and historical record of the fruits that were highly sought after during the Age of Exploration.

Volkamer’s dedication to accuracy and beauty is evident in the quality of the illustrations. The engravings are intricate, showcasing the fruits’ textures, colors, and details in a way that was unprecedented at the time. The volumes are also noteworthy for their exquisite bindings and lavish design, making them not only scientific references but also valuable art objects.

Overall, Johann Christoph Volkamer’s “Nürnberger Hesperides” is a significant contribution to both botanical illustration and the history of botany. His meticulous attention to detail and artistic sensibility resulted in a work that remains a testament to the intersection of art and science during the Baroque era.