Johann Volkamer, Nürnbergische Hesperides, Nuremberg, published by the author, 1708–14, Rare Books collection

It was highly fashionable among the 17th-century aristocracy in Europe to grow the citrus fruits native to warmer climates. During winter, the plants were housed in specially built glasshouses, or ‘orangeries’, and then moved outdoors during summer. The term ‘Hesperides’ was often used to refer to citrus at this time. Drawn from Greek mythology, it alluded to the golden apples guarded by the Nymphs of the Sunset Hesperides.