Catalog Archive
Auction 126, Lot 797

"De Mandragora met Zyn Bloemen en Vruchten", Calmet, Augustin

Subject: Botanicals

Period: 1728 (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, and 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 often used to uproot them.

References:

Condition: A

Estimate: $200 - $250

Sold for: $150

Closed on 12/3/2008

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