Artwork
A red clover; a field scabious
A red clover; a field scabious is a watercolor work on paper by the Barbizon school artist Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues. It dates from 1568 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
A red clover and a field scabious are depicted in a double-sided watercolour from an album of 59 botanical works attributed to Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues, dating to around 1575.
Subject & Meaning
The piece focuses on two specific plant species: red clover (recto) and field scabious (verso), showcasing the artist's attention to botanical detail during the Renaissance.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour on paper, the work exemplifies Le Moyne de Morgues's skill in capturing floral nuances, contrasting with his more commonly known simple woodcut designs.
History & Provenance
Part of a rediscovered album in the early 20th century, this watercolour has repositioned Le Moyne de Morgues in art history as a notable early botanical painter, beyond his Huguenot and woodcut associations.
Context
Created circa 1575, the work reflects the Renaissance's burgeoning interest in botanical illustration, often driven by scientific curiosity and the emergence of more accurate representation techniques.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues (French pronunciation: ; c. 1533–1588) was a French artist and member of Jean Ribault's expedition to the New World. His depictions of Native American life and culture, colonial life, and…
