Besler, a pharmacist from Nuremburg, was appointed by Prince - Bishop Johann Konrad von Gemmingen in 1598 to oversee the extensive gardens surrounding his castle in Eichstatt. In 1606 Gemmingen asked Besler to draw up a catalog in the form of a florilegium, complete with illustrations of the vast botanical collection. There were more than 1,000 plant s represented in the catalog and the species were grouped according to the season in which they bloom. The plates were drawn very accurately, but also artistically. Besler enlisted the help of two collaborators to help write the text and assist with botanical descriptions. He also employed numerous artisans to complete the task of engraving the copper plates. “Hortus Eystettensis” was published in 1613 and was one of the most important florilegias ever published. Prince - Bishop von Gemmingen died one year before publication.