Basilius Besler

In the early 17th century, apothecary and botanist Basilius Besler (1561-1629) documented the flowering plants of the Bavarian Eichstätt palace garden of Prince-Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen. Besler created the three-volume Hortus Eystettensis, published in 1613, comprising 367 copperplate engravings and detailing thousands of plants. He and a team of skilled engravers depicted the plants at every bloom stage across the seasons. The legacy of Besler’s work endures through highly sought-after single-page images. Occasionally, a first edition copy of the Hortus Eystettensis may surface at auction, realizing prices over two million dollars—a testament to its enduring value among collectors and connoisseurs of botanical art. The pieces we offer here are from various editions of the Hortus Eystettensis.

Abutilom aulcennae

$4,500.00
Basil Besler, Rome c. 1646 Excellent Condition, 1st ed. Framed: 32.25” x 29” SOLD $4000

Aconitum Lycocto num flore Delphiny

$2,000.00
Basil Besler, Rome c. 1646 Excellent Condition. 1st ed. Framed: 32.25” x 29” Mat opening: 16” x 20” $2250.

Alcea Veneta Ranunculus Minor flore

$2,500.00
Basil Bessler, Rome c. 1656 Sold

Arbor Iodae, by Basil Besler, from Hortus Eystettensis Eichstatt: 1613 Hand-colored copperplate engraving (later color) 26 1/2” x 22”

$2,100.00
Basil Besler’s (1561-1629) great botanical work is a landmark of botanical documentation and pre-Linnaean classification, as well as one of

Ariftolochia Vulgaris

$2,500.00
Basilius Besler c. 1613 from ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ Dexluxe Ed. Pl. 146 Ariftolochia Vulgaris Rare, uncolored Excellent condition 16.5” x 22”

Caryophyllus major indie, Basil Besler

$5,040.00
This folio botanical engraving is from Basilius Besler’s rare and highly valued work Hortus Eystettensis. It is from the third edition,

Erica Minor Flore Albo

$2,150.00
Basilius Besler, Rome c. 1646

Filipendula vulgaris & Christophoriana

$2,150.00
Basilius Besler c. 1613 From Deluxe Ed. ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ Pl. 228 Filipendula vulgaris & Christophoriana Rare, uncolored engraving Excellent Condition

Leucoium purpureumva riegatum flore pleno

$5,000.00
Basil Besler, Rome 1646 Excellent Condition Framed SOLD $5000

Lilium purpureum marus do donei Scapus cum bulbo

$4,500.00
Basil Besler, Rome c. 1646 Excellent Condition. 1st ed. Framed: 32.25” x 29” $4500. Sold

Maluacrifpa

$2,150.00
manubium creticum angu stifoleum & pseudodictamus gloribus vei tillatis Basilius Besler c. 1613 From Deluxe Ed. ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ Pl. 228

Menthaltrum niveum anglicum

$2,150.00
Basilius Besler c. 1613 From Deluxe Ed. ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ Pl. 228 Horsemints, Hybrid garden mint Rare, uncolored engraving Excellent Condition

Myrtle Varieties

$2,150.00
Basilius Besler c. 1613 from ‘Hortus Eystettensis’ Dexluxe Ed. Pl. 146 Myrtus Tarentina & Myrtus Latifolijs Common myrtle, Small-leaved myrtle

Nepetella, by Basil Besler

$1,750.00
This original hand-colored copperplate engraving, Nepetella, Pl. 229, measures 20″ x 16.5″ and is in very good condition with light