The New York Botanical Garden
The LuEsther T. Mertz Library
Online Exhibitions

  We are pleased to be able to offer you this look at past and present exhibitions which have been on view in the library's William D. Rondina and Giovanni Foroni LoFaro Gallery.
 

PLANTS AND GARDENS PORTRAYED
On view May 1, 2002 - July 31, 2002

Plants and Gardens Portrayed, the inaugural exhibition in the William D. Rondina and Giovanni Foroni LoFaro Gallery, features more than 60 prized works including one-of-a-kind publications and important illustrations by botanical masters.  The rarely seen books on display demonstrate the development of published illustration to communicate knowledge about plants and gardens.  Ranging in date from 1190 to 1961, the works include medieval guides to medicinal plants, records of botanical exploration, depictions of historic gardens, and exquisite portraits of individual plants. Plants and Gardens Portrayed is made possible with the generous support of William D. Rondina and The Carlisle Collection.  Additional funding was provided by the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York Council for Humanities.
 
 

FRUITS AND FLOWERS OF WINTER
On view November 15 - February 17, 2002

This exhibition discusses the evolution of hothousehorticulture and looks at the history behind some well known seasonal plants found in both indoor and outdoor settings. Themes include the Greco-Roman myth of the origin of winter, a walk in a winter garden and the evolution of the hothouse. Also included is a rare glimpse of winter horticulture in federal era New York featuring a unique manuscript ledger from an eighteenth century Manhattan nurseryman. Several newly restored folio volumes on display for the first time will give viewers a look at their little known magnificent hand colored images.
 
 

Several exhibitions have fully illustrated catalogs available. Please contact the LuEsther T. Mertz Library for reproduction rights information.