Vitis - Grande
1909
Elsie E. Lower spent ten days in late September 1909 perfecting this massive, mouth-watering cluster of grapes. As a botanical illustrator for the USDA, she created these detailed studies to help farmers identify fruit varieties like the 'Gros' grape shown here. Her ability to capture the waxy bloom and deep purple sheen made these illustrations vital tools for American agriculture, preserving the look of crops that might otherwise have been lost. It’s a beautiful example of scientific art where accuracy was just as important as aesthetics, proving that botany can be delicious.
Views: 8