Prunes 1544 - 1585

"Prunes" is a botanical illustration from the "Kreuterbuch" (Herbal) by Italian physician and botanist Pierandrea Mattioli, first published in 1544. This detailed woodcut depicts various stages of plum development, including the fruit, leaves, and flowers. The accompanying text, written in German, describes the different types of plums and their medicinal properties, reflecting the Renaissance era's emphasis on natural remedies. This piece, now housed at the Minneapolis Institute of Art, exemplifies the intersection of scientific observation and artistic skill in 16th-century Europe.