Citrus sinensis Washington Navel 2

Ellen Isham Schutt

1913

Citrus sinensis Washington Navel 2 by Ellen Isham Schutt, 1913

Before color photography was reliable, the USDA hired artists like Ellen Isham Schutt to create detailed 'ID cards' for fruit varieties. This 1913 watercolor captures two Washington Navel oranges with such realistic texture you can almost smell the citrus. The handwritten notes at the bottom aren't just a signature; they are a scientific log tracking the specific tree in Riverside, California, and the dates of observation. It’s a beautiful blend of art and agriculture, preserving the look of early 20th-century produce for future generations.

Technique
Watercolor
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