Iris Germanica from Icones Plantarum Medicinalium 1788 - 1812

Joseph Jakob Plenck made this print of Iris Germanica for his “Icones Plantarum Medicinalium,” a visual compendium of plants with medicinal properties. Made in Vienna, Austria, this image belongs to a larger movement of scientific and medical illustration that gained momentum in the 18th century, partly driven by the rise of empirical science and the professionalization of medicine. Works such as this one show the influence of the Enlightenment, an era when institutions like universities and scientific academies emphasized empirical observation and classification. Plenck's decision to depict the entire plant, including its roots, stem, and flower, reflects the contemporary desire to create a comprehensive visual record for medical practitioners. Historians rely on a wide range of sources, including botanical texts and medical treatises, to fully appreciate the cultural and scientific context of such images. Understanding these factors sheds light on the changing relationship between art, science, and society during this transformative period.