Artwork
Pomegranate; Peach
Pomegranate; Peach is a watercolor work on paper by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues. It dates from 1568 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This watercolour presents a pomegranate and a peach positioned side by side, rendered with meticulous attention to form and surface.
About this work
Overview
This watercolour presents a pomegranate and a peach positioned side by side, rendered with meticulous attention to form and surface. The composition is compact, focusing on the contrasting shapes, colours and textures of the two fruits, and serves as a visual reference for artisans seeking accurate natural models.
Subject & Meaning
The paired fruits illustrate a study of botanical variety, highlighting differences in skin texture, colour gradation and internal structure. By juxtaposing a pomegranate’s leathery, ruby‑red exterior with the soft, velvety hue of a ripe peach, the work emphasizes the diversity of edible plants and provides a model for decorative motifs.
Technique & Style
Executed in watercolour, the piece employs fine, controlled brushwork and a bright palette to delineate each fruit’s surface. Transparent washes build depth, while precise line work defines edges and details such as the pomegranate’s crown and the peach’s subtle fuzz, reflecting a scientific yet artistic approach to natural illustration.
History & Provenance
Created by Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues (c. 1533–1588), a French painter and explorer who accompanied Sir Walter Raleigh’s Florida expeditions, the drawing is one of 59 similar studies in the Victoria and Albert Museum. These works were likely produced as reference material for jewelers, embroiderers and other craftsmen in the late 16th century.
Context
During the Renaissance, detailed botanical studies were in demand for decorative arts, supplying designers with accurate models for patterns in metalwork, textiles and other media. Le Moyne’s travels to the New World introduced European artists to unfamiliar flora, prompting the creation of such precise renderings for use in luxury goods.
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…
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