Pteris Aquilina Possibly 1757 - 1764

"Pteris Aquilina" is a botanical illustration created by Johann Hieronymus Kniphof, a German physician and botanist, sometime between 1757 and 1764. The artwork depicts a single frond of the bracken fern, known scientifically as Pteris aquilina, with intricate detail and precision. The delicate lines and shading convey the intricate structure of the fern, highlighting its graceful form and delicate textures. This piece is a prime example of the meticulous detail and scientific accuracy of 18th-century botanical illustration, showcasing the burgeoning interest in natural history and the scientific study of plants during the Enlightenment period.