Benedetto Rinio

Italian herbalist who compiled one of the most well-known herbal encyclopedias of the era. Rinio's Liber de simplicibus, published in Venice in 1410, contained 440 illustrations by Venetian artist Andrea Amadio.

Despite the dominance of photography as a documentary tool in the twentieth century, drawings are still in a great demand. Detailed drawings can focus on and highlight details that the scientist needs. Botanical and other technical illustrations continue to be created side by side with photographs (and films).

Botanical Illustration is one of the oldest watercolor genres. Today artists use a wider range of materials than their predecessors – colour pencil and sumi ink have been added to the traditions of watercolour and pen and ink.