Place and publisher unknown, 1599. Single leaf with engraving on one side. 8vo-sized (17.5 x 13.4 cm).

Carolus Clusius or Charles de l'Escluse (1526-1609) was a famous Dutch and Flemish botanist. This is a nicely engraved portrait, in a lettered oval "Ano Dni MDXCIX ae T LXXIIII Corolvs Clvsivs Atrebas" [Carolus Crusius from Arras, anno 1599, 74 years old]. It is similar to - but not identical with - the well-known engraving by Theodoor de Bry (e.g. used in Clusius' "Rariorum plantarum"). The inscription, "RB", suggests the engraver's initials, but it is not known who he is. A dated [19 Februarij natus (unreadable)] ode in Latin in an old, most likely contemporary hand appears below the engraving. The date refers to his birthday. Vague vertical folds along the printed margins, right margin with paper strip on verso, a few light pencil markings in the lower margin and on verso. A very good copy.