Who painted Damascus Plum?

Damascus Plum was painted by B. Michel in 1768.

Where can I see Damascus Plum?

Damascus Plum is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is Damascus Plum?

Damascus Plum is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Damascus Plum

B. Michel , 1768

Damascus Plum is a drawing by the Romanticist artist B. Michel. It dates from 1768 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created in 1768 by B.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1768 by B. Michel, this drawing depicts a single branch of a Damascus plum tree. Executed in precise detail, it is part of a tradition of scientific botanical documentation. The work is held in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art, where it is preserved as an example of 18th-century naturalist illustration.

Subject & Meaning

The drawing presents a branch with three plums, one sliced open to reveal the pit, emphasizing structural accuracy over aesthetic flourish. The inclusion of the cut fruit suggests an intent to document internal anatomy, aligning with Enlightenment-era efforts to classify and understand plant species systematically.

Technique & Style

Rendered in muted greens, purples, and browns, the drawing uses fine linework to capture leaf veins and the waxy texture of the fruit’s skin. The off-white background with a narrow yellow border frames the subject without distraction, focusing attention on botanical fidelity rather than decorative elements.

History & Provenance

The work’s origin lies in a period when European collectors and institutions commissioned detailed plant studies for scientific archives. While little is documented about the artist B. Michel, the piece’s preservation in The Cleveland Museum of Art indicates its later acquisition as part of a broader collection of natural history illustrations.

Context

This drawing emerged during a time when botanical art served both scientific and educational purposes, often accompanying herbals and horticultural texts. Unlike later Romantic depictions of nature as emotional or sublime, this work prioritizes observation and classification, reflecting the empirical spirit of its age.

Legacy

Though not widely known today, such illustrations formed the foundation for modern botanical science. Their meticulous detail continues to inform plant taxonomy and conservation efforts, preserving visual records of species that may have since changed or disappeared.