Bidspirit auction | Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656–1708)

Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656–1708) – ”Persica (Peach)” – Hand-Coloured Copper Engraving (c. 1700) - This exquisite botanical engraving depicts the peach tree (Persica) with remarkable detail — showcasing its flower, fruit, pit, and seed anatomy. The plate originates from the botanical works associated with Joseph Pitton de Tournefort, a French botanist known for his groundbreaking contributions to plant classification in the late 17th and early 18th centuries.Tournefort played a key role in shaping modern botany, laying the groundwork for later taxonomists such as Linnaeus. His works were widely published across Europe and remain vital to the early development of scientific illustration.Each element of the peach — from blossom to seed — is hand-colored with exceptional precision, representing the high standards of early Enlightenment-era scientific engraving.This plate would have likely been included in one of the many French botanical compendiums of the time, dedicated to cataloging useful and ornamental plants for both scientific and educational purposes.Artist or maker: Joseph Pitton de Tournefort (1656-1708)Medium: Hand-Coloured Copper EngravingDate: Circa 1700Dimensions: 22 cm × 14 cmCondition Report:This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.