Gardens Evolving thru Time: Bavaria

Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Haimbhausen Castle. - Early 18C Bavarian Gardens & Grounds

1701 Bavarian Views with Gardens. Haimbhausen Castle. Michael Wening (Bavarian artist, 1645-1718) Historico-Topographica Descriptio. Detail

Michael Wening (1645-1718) was a Bavarian engraver known for his depictions of cityscapes & views of stately homes, castles & monasteries in the Bavaria of his day. His concept was to publish a visual account of Bavaria’s 4 districts called Historico-Topographica Descriptio. He began in 1696, & had finished more than 100 drawings within the first 2 months. The 1st volume appeared in 1701, but work on the other 3 volumes was delayed by Austria’s occupation of Bavaria. At least 1 volume was published after his death in 1718.

A great alternative view of the gardens & grounds from Michael Wening thanks to the Bavarian State Library & Daniel Seuffert of Munich, Germany!

About this Blog

Initially mankind tries to gain some control over his constantly changing & often threatening natural surroundings by creating physical spaces to meet his basic needs for shelter, food, safety, & family. Across the Earth, prehistoric man's discovery that some plants harm & others heal was the origin searching for & eventually growing life-sustaining food & early medicines, as well as creating ancient myths about people & plants. A garden became a planned space set aside for the practical cultivation of edible & medicinal plants, and/or for the artistic display, & enjoyment of decorative plants. As centuries passed, many of the "well-to-do" transformed the gardens near their personal living spaces into art hoping to project a desired image of themselves to others - their wealth, power, refinement, & beliefs.