Punica granatum - Sweet Green Skinned
1909
Painted by Elsie E. Lower in 1909, this vibrant study captures the 'Sweet Green Skinned' pomegranate in meticulous detail, showcasing both its rugged, reddish-yellow exterior and the jewel-like ruby seeds hidden inside. It belongs to the famous USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection, a massive government project where artists documented thousands of fruit varieties to help American farmers identify and grow the best crops. Lower carefully noted the specific donor, 'Miss Ida Butner' from Putnam, Georgia, right on the paper, turning a dry scientific record into a charming historical snapshot. The contrast between the bruised-looking skin and the bright, juicy interior makes you almost taste the sweetness.
- Technique
- Watercolor
- Material
- Paper
Location: National Agricultural Library (USDA)