The Clutius Botanical Watercolors
by 
Claudia Swan 
Hardcover - 144 pages (October 1998) 

Amazon.com During the Renaissance, the boundary between art and science was not as clearly drawn as it is in the information age. One of the key functions of science in da Vinci's day was to accurately and elegantly depict the denizens of the natural world, and nowhere did the scientist-artists shine more than in botanical studies. The Clutius Botanical Watercolors offers a glimpse into the world of 16th-century naturalists, who spent much time "botanizing." This particularly gorgeous collection of original (but unsigned) drawings and watercolors was owned by Theodorus Clutius, a Netherlands pharmacist, and they were used to instruct budding scientists and physicians at Leiden University. 

These plant studies are exquisitely detailed and delicately colored, retaining both usefulness and beauty. Every needle on the pine bough is painstakingly rendered. Each pea leaf, tendril, and flower is accurate and dainty. Each plant in the pleasure garden, the kitchen garden, and the wild is drawn and tinted to perfection. This book is a joy to leaf through for botanists, artists, and fans of Renaissance naturalists. --Therese Littleton 

 Synopsis 
These exquisite watercolors epitomize the Renaissance interest in and exploration of the natural world. Commissioned from an unknown artist by the Dutch pharmacist Theodorus Clutius as research material for doctors and herbalists, and later used by artists, the illustrations range from the rose and columbine to the sweet pea and cherry, from wild waterlilies to sage, thyme, rosemary, and exotic spices. 149 illustrations, 142 in color.