The Mandragora: The Female Mandrake

Historical Significance

This hand-colored woodcut originates from the 15th century, specifically from the famous medieval herbal known as the Hortus Sanitatis (The Garden of Health), first published in 1491. It depicts the "Mandragora" or Mandrake root. In medieval lore, the Mandrake was believed to be a powerful, sentient plant that grew in the shape of a human—often divided into "male" and "female" forms. This illustration represents the Mandragora foemina.

Artistic & Folklore Detail

The artwork captures the quintessential "Doctrine of Signatures"—the ancient belief that plants which look like parts of the human body possess healing powers for those specific areas.

• The Human Form: The root is depicted as a woman with long, flowing hair that transitions into the stalk of the plant.
• The Botanical Crown: Emerging from her head are the characteristic large leaves and bell-shaped fruits (often called "Satan's Apples" in folklore) of the Mandragora officinarum.
• Visual Style: This piece features the charmingly primitive linework of early European woodcuts, with soft, hand-applied earthen pigments that give it a warm, storied patina.

Product Specifications

• Source: Hortus Sanitatis (1491)
• Era: Late Medieval / Early Renaissance
• Style: Medieval Botanical Woodcut
• Symbolism: Protection, fertility, herbal magic, and the bridge between the plant and animal kingdoms.

Why It Matters

For the modern apothecary, herbalist, or collector of the "unusual," this image is a foundational piece of botanical history. It represents a time when medicine was inextricably linked to magic and myth. While the "Sivartha" collection you’ve explored focuses on the 19th-century desire to map the mind, this Mandrake illustration honors the much older tradition of the spirit of the plant. It makes for a beautiful, grounding addition to a workspace dedicated to teas, tinctures, or the study of ancient lore.

Product features 

• Archival HD print fused to acrylic for long-lasting color
• 0.25" grade-A acrylic with white vinyl backing and hand-polished edges
• Water-resistant surface for easy cleaning
• French cleat backing with included screws and setup instructions for secure hanging