Exhibition "Books and plants. Botanical illustrations..."

«[…] an history of plants without figures

[is] as a book of geography without maps»

John Ray. Letter to Dr. Harrison

(22 October 1684)

The University of Valencia libraries hold an interesting collection of books with botanical illustrations that show the changes that have taken place over the centuries in the ways of perceiving and representing the plant world. 

The exhibition, organised by the Vice-Rectorate for Research and the Historical Library in collaboration with the Botanical Garden of the University of Valencia, and curated by Jaime Güemes and José M. Azkárraga, traces the history of botanical illustration and represents a unique opportunity to rediscover the beauty and scientific rigour that flourish between the pages of a selection of the collections preserved in the Vicent Peset Llorca Historical Medical Library, the José Pizcueta Botanical Garden Library and the Historical Library.

Through more than fifty works published between 1542 and 1899, the exhibition helps us to understand the value of the printed book as a tool for knowledge and scientific dissemination, at a time when screens dominate our environment.

At the same time, the Botanical Garden has designed a route, where many of the species illustrated in the books on display are marked. This route will allow visitors to walk through the Garden and contemplate these plants alongside their historical representations taken from the bibliographic treasures on display in the showcases in the Duque de Calabria room.

It will be open to visitors until 31 January 2026