Lily, F. L. Hoffmann, 1775

brush, h 256mm × w 199mm More details

Regarded as a science in the 18th century, botanical drawing was practised by both men and women. These popular and expensive drawings were often made on parchment. Who exactly Hoffmann was is still unknown. In April 1775, a certain Johann Leonhard Hoffmann visited the small town of Altdorf near Nuremberg, presumably to see the renowned botanical garden which boasted around 2500 plant species. He may well have been the maker of this drawing.