DURANTE, Castore, c. 1529-1590. HERBARIO NUOVO.
Title page: In Roma (Rome): Per (for) Iacomo Bericchi & Iacomo Torniery, MDLXXXV (1585).
Printer imprint: In Roma (Rome): Nella Stamperia di (The Printing House of) Bartholomeo Bonfadino & Tito Diani, MDLXXXV (1585).
Folio in 6's, 33 cm.
Handwritten inscription on title page and various handwritten notes.
Bookplate: In Memoriam, Sterling Morton, Suzette Morton Zurcher
825 woodcut illustrations are in text with 112 woodcut illustrations following the text. Many of the woodcuts have people or scenery added to the basic portrayal of the plants. 480 pages.
References: Hunt 151 Johnston 150 Oak Spring 29 Pritzel 2552.
Author Note
![Picture](/uploads/1/4/7/1/14718886/8974877.jpg?112)
Although of little scientific value, Castore Durante’s Herbario Nuovo was widely popular in Italy. Details are few on Durante’s life and it appears to have been his only significant published work. He was known to be a physician, somewhat of a botanist, but had more of a reputation as a poet. Although the medical application is outmoded, it is the fanciful illustrations and poetic entry for each plant that makes this a wonderful read.
It should be noted that the woodcut illustrations were carved by Leonardo Parasole from drawings done by his wife Isabella Cattani. Cattani was a particularly influential woman artist and engraver in sixteenth century Italy.
The Linnean genus Duranta, formerly Castorea, is named after the author.
It should be noted that the woodcut illustrations were carved by Leonardo Parasole from drawings done by his wife Isabella Cattani. Cattani was a particularly influential woman artist and engraver in sixteenth century Italy.
The Linnean genus Duranta, formerly Castorea, is named after the author.