Besler Botanicals

These CFA Edition giclée reproductions are drawn from first-edition botanical engravings by Basilius Besler, creator of one of the most celebrated flower books of the early 17th century. These impressions once formed part of the personal collection of Olof Rudbeck the Elder — physician to the Swedish royal court, pioneering anatomist, and the scholar credited with major discoveries relating to the human lymphatic system.

Rudbeck was not only a scientist but also a passionate naturalist and collector. His household was deeply engaged in the study of nature; a legacy continued by his son, Olof Rudbeck the Younger, whose ornithological illustrations are also represented on our site. The exceptional quality of the hand-coloring in this Besler set stands out even among other surviving examples. The richness, control, and botanical sensitivity of the palette suggest the work of highly trained hands, and it is believed these engravings may have been colored within the Rudbeck family circle.

Besler’s plates are renowned for their balance of scientific clarity and decorative beauty, presenting flowers at peak bloom with remarkable precision and elegance. This edition preserves that tradition, offering collectors an opportunity to enjoy some of the finest botanical imagery of the Baroque period.

Each CFA Edition giclée is printed on acid-free cotton rag paper using archival pigment inks with a lightfastness rating of up to 200 years, ensuring exceptional longevity and color fidelity.

Print Size: 20×24