Georg Eberhard Rumphius (1627 – 1702) was a notable naturalist who worked for the Dutch East India Company in the 17th century.
He moved to the Ambon archipelago (the Spice Islands), in 1654 and studied the local flora and fauna.
Despite suffering personal losses, including the death of his family in an earthquake and blindness, Rumphius continued his research with great determination.
He was recognized by the scientific community in Europe, becoming a member of the Academia Naturae Curiosorum in Vienna in 1681.
Rumphius' collection of curiosities was sold to the Grand Duke of Tuscany, Cosimo de Medici, linking his work to the renowned patrons of the arts and sciences.
Rumphius' works are a valuable resource for understanding the biodiversity of the Moluccas and the history of botanical science.
Here are some of the superb engravings from his work "The Ambonese Curiosity Cabinet" (D'Amboinsche Rariteitkamer) for you to choose from. They are genuine antiques prints from 1711.