Portret van botanicus Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie 1679 - 1717

This engraving by Abraham de Blois, created between 1679 and 1717, depicts Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, a renowned French botanist and gardener. The portrait is presented in a formal oval frame with a Latin inscription around the edge, signifying La Quintinie's expertise in horticulture. The inscription translates to "The most excellent of those who cultivate the earth, the most excellent of those who decorate the gardens." This piece, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a testament to the high regard in which La Quintinie was held for his contributions to the field of botany. The engraving is a masterful example of the 17th-century Dutch printmaking tradition, known for its fine detail and realistic representation.