L.11.65. De florum cultura (1633)

In the first part of the seventeenth century a few women began to work professionally as artists and engravers, particularly of botanical works which were deemed appropriate subject matter. Anna Maria Vaiani was one such woman and learnt her art from her father the painter and engraver Alessandro Vaiani. Little is known of her life however an example of her work can be found in the prestigious book De Florum Cultura, to which many famous artists contributed illustrations. Although only one plate is signed by her, featuring a bouquet of rare flowers cultivated in gardens in Rome, it is believed she designed and engraved many other illustrations in this work.