As explorers set sail around the world in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries they were joined by adventurous artists who wanted to document the exotic flora they discovered along the way. Clear, realistic drawing were necessary as most of the plants were developed into herbal medicines, but the artists were given the freedom to depict the plant in various stages of bloom, bud and seed. By the 18th century, the ‘Golden Age of Botanical Prints’ had emerged with advances in the printing process and the artists’ ability to capture the plants in greater details and more accurate colors. Read Less