Malus domestica Rome
1913
Before grocery stores standardized our produce, the USDA hired artists like Ellen Isham Schutt to paint every fruit variety in America. This 1913 illustration of a 'Rome Beauty' apple isn't just a pretty picture; it's a scientific record. Schutt captured the fruit's vibrant red-and-yellow blush and its star-shaped seed core with incredible precision. The handwritten notes at the bottom reveal the serious science behind the art, tracking maturity tests and storage temperatures to help farmers understand how to keep these apples fresh. It’s a delicious slice of agricultural history!
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