Pepermunt en anijs before 1894

This is an illustration of four plants, peppermint, anise and two types of linden, contained in a book of botanical studies. Although we don't know the artist or precise dating, it seems to come from a tradition of scientific illustration that extends back to the Renaissance, when the development of printing enabled the wide dissemination of knowledge. The book itself is interesting, it creates meaning through visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations. For example, what was the status of scientific study and knowledge in the country and time when this book was made? What role might institutions like universities, museums or botanical gardens have played in its production? What does the book's design tell us about its intended audience? Was it meant for scholars, amateur enthusiasts, or perhaps even children? These are just some of the questions art historians might explore in order to understand this image better, consulting sources ranging from library archives to publications on the history of science and education.