I already introduced in this column one of the finest illustrated books from the eighteenth century, The Vegetable System by John Hill, sold by Ketterer for € 72K including premium on May 23, 2011, lot 39. A page had been shown in the article shared by Artfix Daily. This folio book, 46 x 28 cm, bound in 13 volumes, contains 1544 engraving from copper plates. All of them are colored.
It is listed again by Ketterer Kunst to be sold in Hamburg on May 23, lot 27 estimated € 60K. The comparison of the condition makes it obvious that it is the same copy. A page is illustrated on Artdaily. I discussed this lot as follows in 2011.
The knowledge and classification of nature represent a major scientific progress of the eighteenth century. It is rightly associated with Linnaeus who developed the concepts still used today of genera and species.
Monumental editions, often spanning over many years, were illustrating with art and accuracy such systematic researches. For example, the Histoire Naturelle by Buffon, who did not follow the theories of Linnaeus, lasted from 1744 to 1804, thus ending 16 years after the death of its initiator.
In London, The Vegetable System authored by John Hill is another monument in the publishing history of that century. In 26 sections published between 1761 and 1775, the author unfolds a comprehensive description of the life and anatomy of no less than 26,000 plants. From the second volume, he uses the scientific names given to them by Linnaeus.
John Hill had been a great scientist but his personal behavior estranged him from his contemporaries and his name fell into oblivion.
SOLD for € 75K including premium
It is listed again by Ketterer Kunst to be sold in Hamburg on May 23, lot 27 estimated € 60K. The comparison of the condition makes it obvious that it is the same copy. A page is illustrated on Artdaily. I discussed this lot as follows in 2011.
The knowledge and classification of nature represent a major scientific progress of the eighteenth century. It is rightly associated with Linnaeus who developed the concepts still used today of genera and species.
Monumental editions, often spanning over many years, were illustrating with art and accuracy such systematic researches. For example, the Histoire Naturelle by Buffon, who did not follow the theories of Linnaeus, lasted from 1744 to 1804, thus ending 16 years after the death of its initiator.
In London, The Vegetable System authored by John Hill is another monument in the publishing history of that century. In 26 sections published between 1761 and 1775, the author unfolds a comprehensive description of the life and anatomy of no less than 26,000 plants. From the second volume, he uses the scientific names given to them by Linnaeus.
John Hill had been a great scientist but his personal behavior estranged him from his contemporaries and his name fell into oblivion.
SOLD for € 75K including premium
RSS Feed
