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Fascination of Medical Plants

Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)

France β€” Second half of the 15th century

Practical knowledge illustrated by masterful depictions of plants and animals: a major work of medieval medicine and botany with more than 500 images of medicinal plants, animals, and humans in alphabetical order

  1. This French translation of Matthaeus Platearius' De Simplicibus medicinis contains 500+ depictions of plants, animals, and people

  2. The text is accompanied by gilded initials and gorgeous depictions of the remedies

  3. The masterfully illuminated contents are arranged alphabetically, also making the codex extremely practical

Fascination of Medical Plants

Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
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Description
Fascination of Medical Plants

One of the most famous writings on medicine and botany of the Middle Ages: De simplicibus medicinis by MatthΓ€us Platearius. This work by the renowned physician of the School of Salerno lists 500 plants, herbs, and other remedies, some of which are also of animal origin. Remarkably, they are arranged alphabetically, which was by no means the norm in the Middle Ages. The extensive text provides fascinating and often somewhat mystical information about their extraction, application, and effects on the human body. Created in France in the second half of the 15th century, this precious manuscript contains a French translation of the influential text and is magnificently illuminated with beautiful illustrations of the remedies described. In addition, there are precious, gilded decorated initials that clearly demonstrate the wealth of the unknown patron and the representational purpose of the manuscript. This codex was not used by a physician on a daily basis, but rather served to display the erudition of its owner.

Fascination of Medical Plants

One of the most famous texts concerning medicine and botany of the Middle Ages in a precious luxury edition: De simplicibus medicinis by Matthaeus Platearius. This work by the famous physician from the Salerno school listed 500 plants, herbs, and other remedies with instructions for their production, application, and effect. In his precious manuscript, originating ca. 1500 in France, the French translation of the text is accompanied by gorgeous illustrations, depictions of the remedies are also presented. Handsome gilded initials additionally embellish this edition and make its standing as a gem of illumination clear!

The French Translation of a Medieval Standard Work

Two herbaria from the 15th century are stored in the Biblioteca Estense Universitaria in Modena. One of them is the famous Herbolaire, also known as the Grant Herbier. This wonderful manuscript is a comprehensive illustrated edition of the medical-botanical text of De simplicibus medicinis by Platerius. This scientific codex makes up the foundation of a French translation with the title Livre des simples medicinis, which originates from France in the second half of the 15th century.

A Physician

Matthaeus Platearius was a famous physician from the Salerno school. Emulating a Dioscorides, he composed a botanical medical textbook that became one of the most famous medical books of the Middle Ages: De simplicibus medicinis (Of Simple Remedies). There are 500 efficacious plants and remedies in it with comprehensive information about their production, application, effect, and other themes and is arranged alphabetically for a better overview.

The Marvelous Illustrations

This particularly impressive edition of the famous text was surely the commission of a high-ranking personality. Each of the 340 pages is gorgeously illustrated, sometimes even with multiple depictions. The plants and remedies represented were realistically illustrated with detailed depictions of roots, leaves, fruits, and flowers. Additionally, animals, minerals, and figurative scenes of rural work, which depict the mining of sulfur or the collecting of aloe branches, can be found. Precious small FleuronnΓ© initials, sometimes even accentuated with gold leaf, round out the impressive work!

Codicology

Alternative Titles
Herbolaire Estense
Grant Herbier
Dictionar Gallicum Herbarum
Estense Herbal
Livre des simples medecines
Size / Format
340 pages / 28.0 Γ— 20.0 cm
Origin
France
Date
Second half of the 15th century
Language
French
Script
French littera bastarda
Illustrations
One or more illustrations of plants, animals and humans on nearly every page
Content
French translation of De simplicibus medicinis
Artist / School
Previous Owners
HonorΓ© d'UrfΓ©, marquis de Valromey, comte de ChΓ’teauneuf (1568–1625)
Jehan Duboys
Available facsimile editions:
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
#1 Faszination Heilpflanzen
Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2006
Limited Edition: 299 copies
Detail Picture

Fascination of Medical Plants

Whale

Some animals can usually be found in herbal manuscripts, especially those that can be used for manufacturing remedies or other practical applications. Aside from being the largest mammals on earth, whales were also precious sources for meat, blubber, oil, and various products that can be made from their bones and baleen, which can be seen in the open mouth of the whale depicted here. Its blowhole is slightly off-center, and it looks back at the beholder with understandable hostility.

Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Single Page

Fascination of Medical Plants

Allium and Asphodelus

Introduced by a shimmering golden β€œA”, the chapter concerning Allium sativum or garlic is a species of bulbous flowering plant in the onion genus Allium that has been used for medicinal purposes around the world for millennia. The famous Persian physician Avicenna recommended it for treating arthritis, snake and insect bites, parasites, chronic cough, and as an antibiotic.
Depicted on the left is Asphodelus, a genus of mainly perennial flowering plants with a spike that blooms with white or yellow flowers. It was supposed to be a remedy for poisonous snakebites and a specific against sorcery that was somehow fatal to mice but preserved pigs from disease. In Greek mythology, it is one of the most famous plants connected to the underworld.

Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Facsimile Editions

#1 Faszination Heilpflanzen

Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2006
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy)
Fascination of Medical Plants – Imago – Est. 28 = alfa M. 5. 9 – Biblioteca Estense Universitaria (Modena, Italy) Copyright Photos: Ziereis Facsimiles

Publisher: Imago – Castel Guelfo, 2006
Limited Edition: 299 copies
Binding: Brown leather with heavy bronze plate
Commentary: 1 volume
Languages: Italian, French abstract

The commentary volume contains a brief historical introduction to herbals, a detailed description of the manuscript and its miniatures, including the identification of the depicted plants. The volume concludes with a complete transcription of the medieval text and an Italian translation.
Facsimile Copy Available!
Price Category: €€€€
(7,000€ - 10,000€)
Inquire current price here or ask a different question
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