Pyrus communis Bosc.
1912
Ellen Isham Schutt painted this Bosc pear in 1912, capturing its distinctive russet skin and creamy interior with scientific precision. The handwritten notes reveal it was picked in Medford, Oregon, and affectionately nicknamed 'Bicky Boil' before being placed in cold storage for the portrait. As a prolific illustrator for the USDA, Schutt created thousands of these detailed watercolors to help farmers identify fruit varieties across America, turning a simple snack into a vital piece of agricultural history.
Views: 6