Basilius Besler

Basilius Besler (1561–1629) was a German apothecary, botanist and plant collector from Nuremberg, best known for directing the creation of Hortus Eystettensis, one of the great botanical books of the early 17th century. Published in 1613, the work documented the remarkable gardens of the Prince-Bishop of Eichstätt through large, detailed botanical engravings. Although Besler was not the artist responsible for every plate, he oversaw the project and helped create an enduring record of early botanical study and garden culture.