Food & Food Preparation: Bees & Honey

18th Century Material Culture Beekeeping & Honey

Pre 17th Century

A Plate from “Tacuinum Sanitatis” depicting Domestic Beekeeping 14th Century

Beekeeping by Jan van der Straet (1523 - 1605)

17th Century

Beekeeping Jan van der Groen (1635 - 1672)

Beekeeping Jan van der Groen (1635 - 1672)

An Engraving from "Melissographia" by Francesco Stelluti 1625

1634

Plate from “Histoire Naturelle des Insectes” John Johnston (1603 - 1675) 1653

Detail of a Bee Skep from “Histoire Naturelle des Insectes” John Johnston (1603 - 1675) 1653

Woodcut John Day's PARLIAMENT OF BEES 1641

“A Further Discovery of Bees” by Moses Rusden 1679

“A THEATRE of Politicall Flying Insects...” by Samuel Purchas 1657 (Bloomsbury Auctions)

“The Complete Bee - Master: ...” by J. Worlidge 1698

18th Century

“Nouveau Théâtre d'Agriculture et Ménage des Champs” 1713

“Mémoires Pour Servir à l'Histoire des Insectes” by Entomologist René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur 1735

'Melisselogia. Or, the female monarchy. Being an ENQUIRY into the Nature, Order, and Government of BEES ...” by the Reverend John Thorley of Oxon 1744 (Freeman’s)

'Melisselogia. Or, the female monarchy. Being an ENQUIRY into the Nature, Order, and Government of BEES ...” by the Reverend John Thorley of Oxon 1744 (Freeman’s)

“John Thorley in His Library Studying Bees” London c. 1772 (Lewis Walpole Library)

“John Thorley in His Library Studying Bees” London c. 1772 (Lewis Walpole Library)

Thorley’s Original Honey Warehouse 1774

Trade Card 1758 (Lewis Walpole Library)

European Beekeeper Mid 18th Century

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

A Natural Beehive “Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

“Economie Rustique” Encyclopedie, of Dictionaire Raisonne Des Sciences by Denis Diderot 1772

18th Century Woodcut

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

Swiss Beekeeping by Johann Rudolph Schellenberg (4 January 1740 – 1806)

“Retaliation or State of Nations” by Hannah Humphrey 1782 (The British Museum)

Recreated Bee Skeps

Recreated Bee House with Skeps

English “Bee Boles” Built into a Stone Wall to Keep Bee Skeps Out of the Rain Westmoreland and Cumberland - Late 17th to 18th Century

Stone Bee House with Skeps Date Unknown

Honey Pots & Jars

English Lead Glazed Slip Decorated Earthenware Honey Pot from Staffordshire c. 1690 - 1700 (Victoria & Albert)

English Lead Glazed Slip Decorated Earthenware Honey Pot from Staffordshire c. 1700 (Victoria & Albert)

English Lead Glazed Slip Decorated Earthenware Honey Pot from Staffordshire c. 1700 (Victoria & Albert)

French Moustiers Honey or Mustard Pot c. 1720 - 1740 (Victoria & Albert)

English or American Iron Honey Pot & Dipper Late 18th - Early 19th Century (Skinner - The 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center)

“American Black Glass Honey Jar” c. 1750 - 1775 (www.antiqueglass.com)

“American Black Glass Honey Jar” c. 1750 - 1775 (www.antiqueglass.com)

“American Black Glass Honey Jar” c. 1750 - 1775 (www.antiqueglass.com)

Miscellaneous

EnglishAnonymous Print 1651 (The British Museum)

French Spies Attacked by British Bees on their First Landing by William Austin 1780 (Lewis Walpole Library)

Enamel Patch Box Late 18th Century (Private Collection)

Recipe Book - Recipe for “Chapt Lipps, &c.” Mid 18th Century (Newport Historical Society)

New Jersey 3 Pound Note Printed by Isaac Collins Burlington 1776

English Trade Card - “At the Beehive and Patten” 18th Century (Spitafields Life)

Acknowledgements The material contained within these slideshows is presented for educational purposes only. The 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center does not personally own any of the items depicted herein and is indebted to the countless museums, libraries, and private collectors who willingly share their collections with the public through the internet. Every attempt has been made to credit these organizations and individuals for their contributions as best as possible. If there is a question you have regarding a particular item featured within a presentation, please contact the 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center and we will try to answer your inquiry as best as possible. If for any reason you feel there is any item that should not be presented here, or if there is an error in any listing, or if you know the source for any item whose credit is unknown, please inform us and we will make sure your concern is addressed as soon as possible. Thank you! - The 18th Century Material Culture Resource Center