24.02.2011, lecture, H. Walter Lack: „Alexander von Humboldt and the Botanical Exploration of the Americas“, Berlin

On February 24, 2011, Prof. Dr. Hans Walter Lack will hold an evening lecture (5:30 p.m.) on „Alexander von Humboldt and the Botanical Exploration of the Americas“. The lecture will be in English and is part of the International Conference BioSystematics Berlin 2011 (February 21-27, 2011).

Location: Seminaris CampusHotel, Science & Conference Center, Takustraße 39, 14195 Berlin

Free admission

As director of the Botanical Garden in Berlin-Dahlem and author of numerous books on botanical illustrations, Lack has been working on the botanical achievements of Alexander von Humboldt for years. In 2009, he published the beautifully illustrated Alexander von Humboldt and the Botanical Exploration of the Americas (Prestel), displaying Humboldt’s most impressive botanical drawings together with an introductory essay.

This lavishly produced deluxe publication reveals never-before-seen botanical masterpieces from one of history’s great scientists and researchers.

Based on material collected during Alexander von Humboldt’s historic expedition to the Americas and Cuba—hailed by many as the “scientific discovery of America”—these intricate and delicately tinted prints record his botanical findings as he traveled through jungles, across rivers, and over mountainous terrain. The illustrations in the book give the English and Latin names of the plants and are followed by an exhaustive index. Published to coincide with the 150th anniversary of Humboldt’s death, this collection of botanical prints contains works that have never been published before. Internationally renowned botanist H. Walter Lack lends his expertise to a fascinating essay that discusses Humboldt’s significant contributions to the world of botany and scientific research. Technically precise, the prints are equally appealing to anyone who appreciates fine art and botanical illustration.