The Garden Catalogue Number 22

22
Abel Evans
Vertumnus. An Epistle to Mr. Jacob Bobart, Botany Professor to the University of Oxford, and Keeper of the Physick-Garden
Oxford, 1713
8 in 4s: p ² A–D
138×85mm
Gough Oxf. 109(11)

The entrance to the Physic Garden of the University of Oxford. The arch was dedicated to Charles I and to the Earl of Danby, whose gift to the University in 1621 allowed the Garden to be established. Before the entrance stands a figure which can be identified as Jacob Bobart, the first holder of the post of gardener. Catalogue no.22, frontispiece.
full size (88 K)

This poem, which was composed in honour of the younger Jacob Bobart (1641–1719) by Abel Evans of St John’s College, contains several references to the elder Bobart. Its frontispiece shows a figure standing before the archway at the entrance to the Physic Garden, which, from its dress, beard and features, can be identified as the elder Bobart, depicted here with a staff and serpent, in the manner of the Greek god of healing, Asclepius.

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