The ‘Hortus Floridus’ by Crispijn van de Passe (1594/5-1670) was ‘without question the most popular florilegium ever published’ (Oak Spring Flora). Although van de Passe produced a technically accurate work which became an indispensable reference work his artistic talents were also expressed well. Many of his plates were unique for the period in displaying the plants in their natural surroundings rather than floating on a blank page. He is also noted for introducing insect life and even the odd animal to his images. Van de Passe was the son of an engraver of the same name. Ref. Hunt (1958) 199; Nissen BBI (1966) 1494; ‘Oak Spring Flora’ no. 12.