J. C. Volkamer - The Book of Citrus Fruits

Celestial Citrus: J. C. Volkamer's 18th-Century Ode to the Citrus Fruit

Citrons, lemons, and bitter oranges float like heavenly bodies above Italian villas, Nuremberg gardens, and picturesque countryside in J. C. Volkamer's breathtaking ode to the citrus fruit. This extraordinary publication reproduces a hand-colored set of copper plates, showcasing 170 varieties of citrus fruits and reviving a time when these fruits were exotic treasures north of the Alps.

A Botanical Masterpiece:

The Nuremberg merchant J. C. Volkamer (1644–1720) was a devoted collector of fragrant and exotic citrus fruits, ordering plants by post from Italy, Germany, North Africa, and even the Cape of Good Hope. His obsession led him to commission a team of copperplate engravers to create 256 plates of 170 varieties, many depicted life-size, published in two volumes beginning in 1708.

What Makes This Book Special:

• 170 varieties of citrus fruits in stunning detail
• Hand-colored copper plate engravings
• Surreal scenes showing fruits suspended above verdant Italian and German landscapes
• 56 newly discovered illustrations intended for a third volume
• Detailed commentary on cultivation, care, and propagation
• Poetic tour through lush gardens from Genoa to Schönbrunn Palace

Specifications:

• Format: Clothbound hardcover
• Dimensions: 27.6 x 39.5 cm
• Weight: 4.33 kg
• Pages: 384
• ISBN: 978-3-8365-3525-0
• Edition: Multilingual (English, French, German)
• Publisher: TASCHEN

"What could be more life-enhancing than depictions of luscious citrus fruit angelically suspended in the sky?" — The Art Newspaper

This publication draws on two recently discovered hand-colored volumes, making it a rare opportunity to own a piece of botanical and artistic history. Perfect for collectors, design enthusiasts, and anyone captivated by the intersection of art, nature, and history.