German artist Johann Theodore de Bry (1561 – 1623) was a master botanical painter renowned for the exceptional realism and detailing of his florilegia—exquisite illustrated flower books popular in the 17th century. Two of the volumes were considered to be the most beautiful of his era, and de Bry dedicated one book solely to the tulip, an exotic new import from Turkey. De Bry also assisted his father with “Great Voyages,” famous illustrated travel narratives that were artistically and historically vital to the Age of Discovery.

© Art.com