Italian small Herbarium, 12 specimens
1923, Reggio Emilia, Manuscript
A charming early 20th-century Italian botanical collection of 12 specimens. The word “Agraria” on the cover leaf, together with the note on the wrapping paper, leads to think of a small creation intended for a school or teaching context (such as the practical schools or the “agricultural middle schools” of the period), or of a technical environment linked to outreach and dissemination, including the activity of itinerant agricultural chairs. While this small work captures the scientific spirit that pervaded the agricultural institutions of the early 1900s, it also preserves the charm of the craftsmanship and the dedication involved in its production.
Twelve Italian botanical specimens, each mounted on a single sheet of paper, accompanied by the Latin name and, in some cases, additional notes, such as the Italian vernacular name, the type of terrain suitable for cultivation, and “consociazione” (crop association/intercropping). The specimens are all common in Italian agriculture, including wheat, millet, clover, sage.
A pleasing curiosity: twelve specimens illustrating Italian crops a century ago.
[1] cover leaf, [12] leaves of mounted specimens.
Twelve single leaves plus a cover, wrapped in yellowed translucent technical paper on which is printed: Alberto Pasini. Studio tecnico. Reggio Emilia. Unfortunately, the specimens have been mounted with poor-quality glue, which has visibly yellowed, leaving halos around the plants. The positioning is reinforced with paper bands. Paper untrimmed. A charming little example, a pleasing curiosity, discreet and in fair condition.
Dimensions (inches): 4 3/4 x 3 1/2
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