A page from the 15th-century *Book of Herbs* by Johannes Hartlieb, this image captures the straightforward charm of mediaeval herbology. Rooted in practical use and botanical exploration, Hartlieb’s manuscript is one of the earliest written works to gather herbal knowledge in the German vernacular. The era’s fascination with the natural world is evident, reflecting the seamless intertwining of science, folklore, and artistry. The illustration employs a simplified yet purposeful style, characteristic of pre-modern botanical manuscripts designed for practical reference rather than artistic embellishment.
The composition illustrates a plant with its leaves, stems, and blooms articulated in a focused, almost schematic manner that prioritises clarity. The tempera-like colours—gentle greens, yellows, and violets—are framed by outlined borders, which draw attention to the modest formalism of mediaeval manuscript illumination. This image represents a time when herbal manuscripts were pivotal in daily life, cherished as tools for both healing and discovery. It speaks to a period when knowledge of nature was a vital survival skill, as much poetic as it was pragmatic.