This exquisite botanical engraving is from Daniel Rabel's Theatrum Florae. It's considered the unacknowledged fourth edition of the work that was bound with Maria Sibylla Merian's work entitled Histoire Generale des Insectes de Surinam... for the Buc'hoz & Desnos 1771 printing. It was published in Paris by Chez L. C. Desnos in 1771.

The work is the rarest of Desnos's extraordinary publications. "The plates in Theatrum Florae are indeed magnificent... While the images clearly owe much to the earlier florilegia of Vallet and de Bry, certain illustrations stand out due to their exceptional artistic quality and almost scientific realism..." ( Oak Spring Flora)

Rabel's name was omitted from the work in earlier editions (1622, 1627, and 1633). He only began getting the credit and re-attribution of this work to him in the last 70 years. Blunt considered Rabel to be one of the two greatest French botanical artists of the 17th century, noting that his work, along with that of his successor Nicolas Robert, was 'consummate in its perfection.' (The Art of Botanical Illustration p.114)


Paper Size: ~ 12 3/4" by 19 3/4"; Image ~ 8 1/2" by 14" (Varies slightly)


Paper Type or Special Features: Engraving with Professional Hand-coloring

The work is in very good to excellent condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or faint marks or fox marks to be expected with age. Please review the image carefully for condition and contact us with any questions.