MARIAN VAN WEERT

/ onderzoek

Ancient Times to the Middle Ages ~ 5th to 13th century

Herbaria

Plant collections and herbarium-like practices can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as ancient Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Ancient herbalists and physicians collected and preserved plant specimens for medicinal purposes, often drying them for storage and reference. 

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Botanical art

During this period, botanical illustrations were primarily found in medieval herbals, which were manuscripts containing information about medicinal plants.The illustrations in herbals served a practical purpose of aiding in plant identification and the preparation of remedies. Artists often depicted plants in a stylized and symbolic manner rather than aiming for botanical accuracy.

Renaissance ~13th to 17th century

Herbaria

During the Renaissance, the practice of collecting and preserving plant specimens gained prominence. Scholars and naturalists began assembling personal collections of dried plants, sometimes accompanied by written descriptions. These early collections formed the basis for future herbaria

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Botanical art

The Renaissance marked a significant advancement in botanical art, with increased attention to scientific accuracy. Artists such as Leonardo da Vinci and Albrecht Dürer made notable contributions to botanical illustration by combining artistic skill with scientific observation. Botanical gardens and universities played a crucial role in supporting the study and documentation of plants, leading to more precise representations.

Age of Exploration ~14th to 18th century

Herbaria

The Age of Exploration led to an increase in plant collecting from newly discovered regions. Explorers, botanists, and their associates collected and preserved plant specimens during their expeditions. Notable figures, such as Carl Linnaeus, contributed to the development of herbaria during this period. Today, herbaria serve as valuable repositories of plant biodiversity, aiding in taxonomic research, conservation efforts, and our understanding of the natural world.

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Botanical Art

As explorers traveled the globe, they encountered previously unknown plants, which sparked a demand for accurate depictions of these exotic species. Botanical artists accompanied explorers and scientists on expeditions, recording the new plant discoveries through detailed illustrations.

Enlightenment ~18th century

Herbaria

The 18th century marked a significant expansion in the establishment of herbaria as institutional collections. Botanists and naturalists, driven by the scientific spirit of the Enlightenment, recognized the need for systematic plant collections. Many herbaria were founded in Europe during this time, serving as important resources for scientific study and identification.

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Botanical art

The Enlightenment era saw a surge in scientific exploration and classification of plants. Botanical art became closely aligned with botanical science, as artists worked alongside botanists to document and describe plant species. Publications such as "Flora Graeca" by John Sibthorp with Ferdinand Bauer's illustrations made significant contributions during this period.

Victorian Era ~ 19th century

Herbaria

The Victorian era witnessed a tremendous growth in the establishment and development of herbaria. Botanic gardens, universities, and scientific societies played a vital role in collecting, preserving, and organizing plant specimens. Herbaria became integral to botanical research, with an emphasis on plant taxonomy and classification.

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Botanical art

The Victorian era witnessed a flourishing of botanical art, fueled by the growth of botanic gardens and increased public interest in natural history. Advances in printing technology allowed for the production of more accessible botanical books and magazines, featuring color illustrations. 

Modern Era ~ 20th century onwards

Herbaria

In the 20th century, herbaria continued to expand and evolve in response to advances in scientific knowledge and technology. Herbarium collections became increasingly comprehensive and globally distributed. The digitization of herbarium specimens and the establishment of online databases enhanced accessibility and facilitated collaborative research. 

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Botanical art

In the 20th century, botanical art continued to evolve, adapting to changing artistic styles and scientific advancements. The focus shifted towards capturing the finer details of plants and illustrating specific plant parts, such as leaves, flowers, and seeds. Artists often work with a combination of traditional techniques and digital tools to create botanical illustrations that are both accurate and visually striking.