Crocus banaticus en bonte krokus 1617

Crispijn van de Passe the Younger’s 1617 engraving, “Crocus banaticus en bonte krokus,” depicts two types of crocuses, or wild saffron flowers, with Latin descriptions for both species: “Crocus Banaticus” and “Crocus Montanus.” The botanical details of the plants and the bulbs are meticulously rendered, demonstrating the artist’s interest in natural history and the emerging scientific illustration of the 17th century. This work is a fine example of the Dutch Golden Age’s fascination with natural beauty.