Botanical Art and Illustrations Through the Ages

Course description

This course surveys the astonishing historical range and visual diversity of the art of depicting flowers and other plants in paintings, prints, drawings and photography. From early times through the medieval and renaissance periods, plants have been an important theme for artists and illustrators in Europe, Asia and the Americas. We will explore this fascinating history from early medieval herbals and codices into the 18th century when the Linnaean style of drawing brought scientific accuracy inspiring the golden period of botanical illustration. Contemporary artists continue these traditions in new and important ways that enrich our understanding of the natural world.