17th Century French Antique Hand Colored Engraving "Hesperides" Engraved by Bloemaert Framed

Description

Incredibly detailed hand-colored engraving of "golden apples" now commonly called grapefruit. Two whole and one halved citrus with a delicate … more Incredibly detailed hand-colored engraving of "golden apples" now commonly called grapefruit. Two whole and one halved citrus with a delicate blue ribbon inscribed with words meandering through the image. Initials of the engraver in the lower right; Bbb.
In Greek mythology, the Hesperides are three maidens of the the sunset that rest under the "golden apple"/ grapefruit tree. The gold color of the fruit is said to give the twilight sky its golden rays at sunset.
A note on the back of the frame gives more context of the piece, "Ferrarius (author of) "Hesperides" 1646. First edition. First book on fruit farming as a science. Plates are after Reni, Poussin and others of first rank. Engraved by Bloemaert." less