A New Distribution of Umbelliferous Plants (1672) - Page 2

A detailed allegorical engraving commemorates a royal gift to the University of Cambridge. In the center is an oval shield bearing the arms of the University of Cambridge: a cross made of ermine fur patterns between four walking lions, with a closed book at the center of the cross. To the left, the god Apollo stands holding a lyre while perched upon a stack of books. To the right, the goddess Minerva wears a plumed helmet and holds a spear and shield. Her companion owl sits nearby. Below the central shield is a decorative pedestal featuring a circular medallion with the profile of King George I. Above the medallion, a ribbon scroll bears a Latin inscription. The engraving is signed by the artist, John Pine, in the lower right corner.

ROYAL BOUNTY

original: "MUNIFICENTIA REGIA"

GEORGE, BY THE GRACE OF GOD, KING OF GREAT BRITAIN, FRANCE, AND IRELAND, DEFENDER OF THE FAITH

original: "GEORGIUS D. G. MAG. BR. FR. ET HIB. REX F. D." These abbreviations represent the standard royal titles of the British monarch during this period.

Engraved by J. Pine original: "J. Pine sculp" Technical Terms: * Royal Bounty: A term used for significant gifts or grants from the monarch to institutions like universities. * Defender of the Faith: A title originally granted to Henry VIII by the Pope, later maintained by British monarchs as heads of the Church of England. * Apollo: The Greek and Roman god of music, poetry, and light. He often represents the arts and higher learning. * Minerva: The Roman goddess of wisdom and war. She represents the intellectual and strategic aspects of the university.