Catalog Archive
Auction 121, Lot 813

"De Mandragora met Zyn Bloemen en Vruchten", Anon.

Subject: Botanicals

Period: 1700 (circa)

Publication:

Color: Hand Color

Size:
7.8 x 11.3 inches
19.8 x 28.7 cm
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A handsome depiction of the Mandrake, a plant of the family Solanaceae or nightshade that has a long and superstitious past. The root resembles the human form, has been credited since medieval times with such attributes as the power to arouse ardor, increase wealth and other good luck. The scream of an uprooted mandrake was said to be fatal when pulled from the ground; thus dogs were used to uproot them and then summonded from a distance.

References:

Condition: A

A lovely impression on sheet with some minor toning in the lower right margin.

Estimate: $200 - $300

Sold for: $150

Closed on 9/26/2007

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