Bilder Antoine-François Prévost d'Exiles (1697–1763) – Plants and Fruits of Madagascar – Engraving (1746–1759)

Beskrivning

This engraving presents an extensive botanical survey of the diverse flora of Madagascar, titled Plantes et Fruits de Madagascar. The composition is organized into four large rectangular grids, each subdivided into smaller cells containing individual illustrations of leaves, flowers, and fruits. This intricate plate was featured in the monumental Histoire Generale des Voyages and served as a technical reference for eighteenth-century naturalists to identify and study exotic plant species documented during global maritime expeditions. The work reflects the Enlightenment era's systematic approach to recording the natural history of recently explored territories.

Antoine-François Prévost d'Exiles, commonly known as Abbé Prévost, was a prolific French author and journalist who made significant contributions to the Enlightenment-era dissemination of geographical and natural knowledge. While famous for his literary work Manon Lescaut, he spent decades editing and translating the Histoire Generale des Voyages, a massive multi-volume encyclopedia of global exploration. This series synthesized centuries of travel accounts and botanical observations into a structured format, becoming an essential resource for the study of ethnography and natural history. Prévost's work allowed the French public to explore the world's diverse environments through detailed text and high-quality engravings, helping to bridge the gap between academic scholarship and popular curiosity during the eighteenth century.

Artist or Maker: Antoine-François Prévost d'Exiles .

Dimensions: Approximately 34 cm x 37 cm .

Medium: Engraving .

Date: 1746–1759

Condition 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.