Jacquin, Nikolaus Joseph von

Woodcut floral vignettes on title-pages, woodcut head- and tailpiece. Illustration: 649 fine handcolored engraved plates (unnumbered; 37 full-sheet or folding) after and by Franz Bauer, Ferdinand Bauer, Joseph Hofbauer, and Joseph Scharf.

3 volumes, folio (18 x 10 7/8 in.; 455 x 275 mm). Binding: Contemporary German half tree calf over black paste-paper boards, smooth spines gilt-ruled in six compartments, plain endpapers, red edges. Provenance: Unidentified modern printing of Hilprand Brandenburg's bookplate above nineteenth-century press-marks 2 Nl.133 1–3 — Robert de Belder (Sotheby's London, 27 April 1987, lot 181) — Ladislaus von Hoffmann (Christie's New York, 4 June 1997, "An Important Botanical Library, The Property of a Gentleman," lot 77).



A few of the folding plates with very short fold tears at margins, a few plates shaved within plate mark, just touching the image in about 6 plates, a number of plates in vol. 2 with 2 small stains at top margin, just touching image in a couple of instances, a very few other scattered marginal stains. Extremities of binding rubbed, a couple of joints worn.

Dunthorne 153; Great Flower Books, p. 105; Nissen 974; Plesch sale 391; Pritzel 4368; Stafleu & Cowan TL2 3251

A few of the folding plates with very short fold tears at margins, a few plates shaved within plate-mark, just touching the image in about 6 plates, a number of plates in vol. 2 with 2 small stains at top margin, just touching image in a couple of instances, a very few other scattered marginal stains. Extremities of binding rubbed, a couple of joints worn.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
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The very fine De Belder–von Hofmann copy of one of Jacquin’s most splendid works; first edition. The beauty and reputation of Icones plantarum rariorum is founded on the engravings by the brothers Bauer. Jacquin was the first botanist to recognize the talent of Franz and Ferdinand and engaged them both for this project. "From Jacquin or [Father Norbert] Boccius or both they learned that botanical draughtsmanship demands understanding of the plant figured, even down to minute detail, as well as its portrayal with accuracy and grace. … Under such supervision they became accustomed to precise observation and developed superb techniques of drawing and colouring. Jacquin himself was an able botanical artist but his teaching and administrative duties gave him no time for illustrating plants except in correspondence with Sir Joseph Bank's librarian Jonas Dryander" (Stewart & Stearn, The Orchid Paintings of Franz Bauer, London 1993, p. 9). Despite the Bauers perfecting their skills while serving their apprenticeships with Jacquin, he was unable to retain their services. Ferdinand was lured away by John Sibthorp to work on the Flora Graeca, and Franz was enticed by Sir Joseph Bank to become the resident artist at Kew Gardens.

The plates were issued—without regard to the order later assigned to them—in fascicles of 25, apart from the final part issued in 1795, which contained 74 engravings.

Rare: evidently no other copy has been sold at auction since the appearance of the present in the De Belder sale three decades ago.