Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria [Hardcover]

Walter H. Lack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 2006

Francis I of Austria was the last monarch to rule over the Holy Roman Empire, and the imperial gardens remains one of Vienna's most beloved treasures. In 1791, he commissioned Matthias Schmutzer to paint portraits of every flower in his garden - a project that took more than three decades to complete. Until now, only six of the extant 1,300 paintings have ever been published. This collection features 120 of the most outstanding of Schmutzer's watercolours. Painted life-size and with extraordinary precision, the flowers range from the exotic to the common. A fascinating text by one of the world's leading experts offers biographical information about Francis I, descriptions of the imperial gardens in the ruler's time, and photographs of how they appear today. A significant contribution to horticultural history, this unique and beautifully presented book will delight botanical historians and lovers of flower art alike.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book like this inspires almost purely notional gardening, far from the need to dig, weed and debug." -- Wall Street Journal

"A visual treasure... a source of pleasure and information for both art and exotic plant/tree lover." -- Art Times, June 2006

"Breathtaking." -- Veranda, July 2006

"One of the most prestigious and stunningly beautiful books to be published in this millennium..." -- National Garden Clubs, December 2006

"Stunningly reproduced." -- Elle Décor, June 2006

Product Details

• Hardcover: 336 pages
• Publisher: Prestel Publishing (May 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 3791334921
• ISBN-13: 978-3791334929
• Product Dimensions: 13.5 x 9.8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #707,285 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria by, April 1, 2008

By 

Rhona A. Blackwell-Ready "Rhona B" (Takoma Park, MD USA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria (Hardcover)

This book is just as beautiful inside as is its' cover. You will not be disappointed but hopefully pleasantly surprised! I loved it.Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Gift and Best Florilegium Published, November 15, 2009

By 

Charles M. Marsteller "Charley_SF" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria (Hardcover)

Two facts strike me about this incredible book. First, it would make a wonderful gift for the Holidays, for Weddings, etc. It is a gift that will grow in value as well.

Secondly, Dr.H.Walter Lack in his book on the Liechtenstein Codex says that this Florilegium is one of the TOP THREE ever commissioned (the other two being the Liechtenstein Codex and the Jardin du Roi of Louis XIII).

I own all three books and without a doubt, this on is THE MOST beautiful in its exceptional presentation.

Therefore, if you own an example of just one Florilegium, this is the absolute best yet published.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars great book of botanical illustrations, lousy binding, August 29, 2010

By 

Ivor E. Zetler (Sydney Australia) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Florilegium Imperiale: Botanical Illustrations for Francis I of Austria (Hardcover)

As a books of botanical illustrations, this book is superb. The reproductions are exceptional in their clarity and color quality. The paper standard is also excellent. Matthias Schmutzer's ink drawings are extremely beautiful; no wonder he has such an august reputation as a botanical illustrator. Not that I would ever suggest desecrating any book of this quality, but these illustrations are easily worthy of framing.

It is worth noting that the copy I initially ordered fell apart at the seams soon after arrival. A replacement copy seems to be suffering a similar fate. I have handled it with extreme care and in desperation have glued it. Perhaps Amazon has a dud batch; not their fault but be warned. Inexcusable for such an expensive item. 5 stars for the book as such, 1 for the binding quality.