Ficus

Georg Dionysius Ehert (1708 - 1770)

Ficus

From: Plantae Selectae 

Nuremberg; 1750-1773

Hand-colored copperplate engraving 

Sheet Dimension: 12.5 x 18.5 in.

Frame Dimension: 21 x 27 in.

Georg Dionysius Ehert is considered the most important botanical artist of the mid-18th century. Born to poor farmers in Heidelberg in 1708, Ehert showed an early propensity for drawing, though as a young man he was employed primarily as a gardener. Having drawn the attention of noted botanical artist Johann Weinmann and noted Nuremberg physician Dr. Christoph Jakob Trew, he gained support for his work. 

In 1736, he met eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus, and moved to England where he remained for the duration of his life. As instructor to the highest of English nobility, he then engaged in his publication of Plantae Selectae. Various scholars of the time praised the folio highly singling out the excellent quality of Ehert's studio.