Anselmus Boetius de Boodt

Anselmus Boëtius de Boodt (1550-1632) was a talented Flemish cartographer whose natural drawings of tropical birds, mythical creatures, and everything in between were his greatest assets. His passion for biodiversity led him to become a humanist, mineralogist, physician, and naturalist, all of which are expressed in his work.

Biography of Anselm Boethius de Vot

• Born in Bruges in 1550 .
• He studied medicine and philosophy at the Catholic University of Levain.
• He later became the personal physician to Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II.
• He is active in a wide range of natural science fields , including mineralogy, botany, and zoology .
• He died in Prague in 1632 (aged 82).

Representative works

• "Gemmarum et lapidum historia" (History of Precious Stones and Stones) (1609)
• "Historia Naturalis" (unfinished)
• Numerous watercolors depicting flora and fauna

De Vogt's style and achievements

De Vogt's works are characterized by realistic depictions based on meticulous observation, vivid colors, and expressions full of life. He drew a variety of living creatures, including birds, mammals, fish, insects, and plants, in detail, visually recording their ecology and characteristics. He also created works depicting mythical and fantastical creatures, which show his rich imagination and humor.

De Vogt contributed greatly to the development of natural history during the Renaissance. His works combine scientific precision with artistic beauty, demonstrating a deep understanding and reverence for the natural world.

De Vogt was not only a physician and naturalist, but also an artist with excellent observational skills and descriptive abilities. His works can be considered a valuable cultural heritage that symbolizes the exchange between natural science and art in Europe from the 16th to 17th centuries .